Large-N string tension from rectangular Wilson loops

TL;DR

This paper computes the string tension in large-N SU(N) gauge theory using lattice Wilson loops and assesses the applicability of effective string theory near the strong-coupling transition.

Contribution

It provides a lattice-based determination of large-N string tension and evaluates the effective string theory description close to the strong-coupling transition.

Findings

String tension measured from smeared Wilson loops at large N.

Effective string theory describes loops near the strong-coupling transition.

Insights into eigenvalue distribution and phase transition behavior.

Abstract

In pure SU(N) gauge theory in four dimensions, we determine the string tension at large N from smeared rectangular Wilson loops on the lattice. We learn how well loops of sizes barely on the strong-coupling side of the large-N transition in their eigenvalue distribution can be described by effective string theory.