Phase transitions in large N(c) heavy quark potentials

TL;DR

This paper investigates phase transitions in heavy quark potentials within certain gauge theories using string duals, revealing a new transition driven by large dimension operators alongside a known flavor-driven transition, both linking Coulomb-like and confining phases.

Contribution

It uncovers a previously unnoticed phase transition driven by large dimension operators in gauge theories with wrapped D5-brane duals, expanding understanding of phase structures.

Findings

Identified a new phase transition driven by large dimension operators.

Confirmed the existence of a known transition driven by light dynamical flavors.

Both transitions connect Coulomb-like and confining phases.

Abstract

We describe phase transitions in the heavy quark potential in planar gauge theories having wrapped D5-brane string duals. A new phase transition, previously unnoticed in these models, is driven by the source of a large dimension operator. Another transition, which has already been described in a previous paper, is driven by the presence of light dynamical flavors. Both transitions connect a Coulomb-like phase to a confining linear phase.