G_2 gauge theory at finite temperature

TL;DR

This paper investigates the finite temperature behavior of G_2 gauge theory on the lattice, providing evidence of a first-order deconfinement phase transition, which sheds light on the role of the gauge group's center in confinement.

Contribution

It presents the first lattice study of G_2 gauge theory at finite temperature, demonstrating a first-order deconfinement transition in a centreless gauge group.

Findings

Evidence of a first-order deconfinement phase transition.

Finite size scaling supports the transition's first-order nature.

Implications for understanding colour confinement scenarios.

Abstract

The gauge group being centreless, $G_2$ gauge theory is a good laboratory for studying the role of the centre of the group for colour confinement in Yang-Mills gauge theories. In this paper, we investigate $G_2$ pure gauge theory at finite temperature on the lattice. By studying the finite size scaling of the plaquette, the Polyakov loop and their susceptibilities, we show that a deconfinement phase transition takes place. The analysis of the pseudocritical exponents give strong evidence of the deconfinement transition being first order. Implications of our findings for scenarios of colour confinement are discussed.