Coherent center domains from local Polyakov loops

TL;DR

This paper investigates local Polyakov loops in SU(3) gauge theories, revealing phase preferences and cluster formations that relate to confinement and deconfinement, with implications for understanding the continuum limit.

Contribution

It introduces a cluster-based analysis of local Polyakov loops across different temperature regimes, linking cluster percolation to deconfinement in SU(3) gauge theories.

Findings

Polyakov loops favor center phases in both regimes

Clusters form and percolate at deconfinement transition

Discussion on continuum limit of center clusters

Abstract

We analyze properties of local Polyakov loops using quenched as well as dynamical SU(3) gauge configurations for a wide range of temperatures. It is demonstrated that for both, the confined and the deconfined regime, the local Polyakov loop prefers phase values near the center elements 1, exp(i 2 pi/3), exp(-i 2 pi/3). We divide the lattice sites into three sectors according to these phases and show that the sectors give rise to the formation of clusters. For a suitable definition of these clusters we find that in the quenched case deconfinement manifests itself as the onset of percolation of the clusters. A possible continuum limit of the center clusters is discussed.