Critical properties of 3D Z(N) lattice gauge theories at finite temperature

TL;DR

This paper investigates the phase transitions of 3D Z(N>4) lattice gauge theories at finite temperature, identifying two infinite-order transitions and analyzing their critical properties using dual formulations and cluster algorithms.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of the critical properties of 3D Z(N>4) lattice gauge theories at finite temperature, including critical points and indices.

Findings

Two infinite-order phase transitions identified

Critical indices consistent with 2D Z(N) vector spin models

Computed average action and specific heat near transitions

Abstract

The phase structure of three-dimensional Z(N>4) lattice gauge theories at finite temperature is investigated. Using the dual formulation of the models and a cluster algorithm we locate the critical points of the two transitions, determine various critical indices and compute average action and specific heat. Results are consistent with two transitions of infinite order, belonging to the universality class of two-dimensional Z(N) vector spin models.