Large N lattice gauge theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates the universal behavior of Wilson loops in large N gauge theories, revealing a phase transition and a universal scaling function, with numerical evidence linking different models in the same universality class.

Contribution

It introduces a multiplicative matrix model capturing the universal transition behavior and establishes universality across different large N models.

Findings

Identification of a weak to strong coupling transition in Wilson loops.

Derivation of a universal scaling function in a double scaling limit.

Numerical evidence showing universality between large N QCD and the SU(N) principal chiral model.

Abstract

Wilson loops in large N gauge theory exhibit a weak to strong coupling transition as the loop is dilated. A multiplicative matrix model captures the universal behavior associated with this transition. A universal scaling function is obtained in a double scaling limit. Numerical studies show that both large N QCD in three dimensions and the SU(N) principal chiral model in two dimensions are in the same universality class.