# Metastable nonconfining states in SU(3) lattice gauge theory with sextet fermions

## TL;DR

This paper investigates the phase structure of SU(3) lattice gauge theory with sextet fermions, revealing metastable states with complex Wilson line phases near the finite-temperature transition, contrasting with the true equilibrium phase.

## Contribution

It identifies and characterizes metastable nonconfining states with specific Wilson line phases in SU(3) lattice gauge theory with sextet fermions.

## Key findings

- Metastable states have Wilson line phases near 2pi/3 or pi.
- The true equilibrium phase has Wilson line aligned with the positive real axis.
- Metastable states occur near the finite-temperature phase transition.

## Abstract

We study the SU(3) lattice gauge theory, with two flavors of sextet Wilson-clover fermions, near its finite-temperature phase transition. We find metastable states that have Wilson line expectation values whose complex phases are near 2pi/3 or pi. The true equilibrium phase at these couplings and temperatures has its Wilson line oriented only towards the positive real axis, in agreement with perturbation theory.