Thermodynamics of SU(2) N=2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates the thermodynamic behavior of SU(2) N=2 super-Yang-Mills theory, revealing distinct low-temperature phases with broken symmetry and a unique high-temperature phase, clarifying previous discrepancies.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the phase structure and symmetry breaking in SU(2) N=2 super-Yang-Mills theory across temperature regimes, highlighting the role of quantum moduli space singularities.

Findings

Two distinct low-temperature equilibrium states with broken R-symmetry.

A single high-temperature equilibrium state preserving R-symmetry.

Resolution of discrepancies with earlier literature.

Abstract

The thermodynamics of four-dimensional SU(2) N=2 super-Yang-Mills theory is examined in both high and low temperature regimes. At low temperatures, compelling evidence is found for two distinct equilibrium states related by a spontaneously broken discrete R-symmetry. These equilibrium states exist because the quantum moduli space of the theory has two singular points where extra massless states appear. At high temperature, a unique R-symmetry-preserving equilibrium state is found. Discrepancies with previous results in the literature are explained.