Chiral Symmetry Breaking from Center Vortices

TL;DR

This paper investigates how center vortices in SU(2) lattice gauge theory contribute to chiral symmetry breaking by generating near-zero Dirac modes, similar to instantons, through topological charge effects.

Contribution

It demonstrates that center vortices and instantons produce similar near-zero modes, providing a new perspective on the topological origins of chiral symmetry breaking.

Findings

Colorful spherical vortices generate near-zero modes similar to instantons.

Vortex intersections contribute to a finite density of near-zero modes.

Center vortices can break chiral symmetry via topological charge effects.

Abstract

We analyze the creation of near-zero modes from would-be zero modes of various topological charge contributions from classical center vortices in SU(2) lattice gauge theory. We show that colorful spherical vortex and instanton configurations have very similar Dirac eigenmodes and also vortex intersections are able to give rise to a finite density of near-zero modes, leading to chiral symmetry breaking via the Banks-Casher formula. We discuss the influence of the magnetic vortex fluxes on quarks and how center vortices may break chiral symmetry.