Confinement and the second vortex of the SU(4) gauge group

TL;DR

This paper investigates the potential between static sources in SU(4) gauge theory using the Thick Center Vortices model, revealing an attractive interaction between vortices of the same type through lattice QCD comparisons.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of an attractive force between vortices of the same type in SU(4) gauge theory within the Thick Center Vortices framework.

Findings

Fitted string tension ratios match lattice QCD results.

Found that vortex overlap probabilities indicate attraction.

Confirmed the model's consistency with known gauge theory behaviors.

Abstract

We study the potential between static SU(4) sources using the Model of Thick Center Vortices. Such vortices are characterized by the center elements $z_1=\mathrm i$ and $z_2=z_1^2$. Fitting the ratios of string tensions to those obtained in Monte-Carlo calculations of lattice QCD we get $f_2>f_1^2$, where $f_n$ is the probability that a vortex of type $n$ is piercing a plaquette. Because of $z_2=z_1^2$ vortices of type two are overlapping vortices of type one. Therefore, $f_2>f_1^2$ corresponds to the existence of an attractive force between vortices of type one.