On the conformal anomaly of k-strings

TL;DR

This paper investigates the conformal anomaly of k-strings in gauge theories, proposing a specific relation involving string tensions and confirming it through a 3D Z_4 gauge model at finite temperature.

Contribution

It introduces a formula for the conformal anomaly of k-strings in gauge theories and validates it with numerical evidence from a 3D Z_4 gauge model.

Findings

Derived a relation c=(d-2)σ_k/σ for the conformal anomaly.

Confirmed the theoretical prediction through numerical simulations.

Identified a string effect related to the conformal anomaly in a specific gauge model.

Abstract

We discuss the long distance behaviour of the flux tube associated to baryon vertices and argue that, if the gauge system admits stable k-strings, the conformal field theory describing this string in the IR has conformal anomaly c=(d-2)\sigma_k/\sigma, where \sigma_k is the k-string tension and \sigma that of the fundamental representation. We check this result in a 3D Z_4 gauge model at finite temperature, where a string effect directly related to "c" can be clearly identified.