Photon operators for lattice gauge theory

TL;DR

This paper constructs photon operators with correct quantum numbers for lattice gauge theories, enabling detailed studies of phase transitions and the Higgs mechanism in compact U(1) and abelian Higgs models.

Contribution

It introduces explicit photon operators that improve state identification and reduce contamination, facilitating advanced analysis of gauge theories and phase transitions.

Findings

Confirmed massive and massless states across phase transition

Reduced excited state contamination in Higgs model

Enabled detailed future studies of the Higgs mechanism

Abstract

Photon operators with the proper $J^{PC}$ quantum numbers are constructed, including one made of elementary plaquettes. In compact U(1) lattice gauge theory, these explicit photon operators are shown to permit direct confirmation of the massive and massless states on each side of the phase transition. In the abelian Higgs model, these explicit photon operators avoid some excited state contamination seen with the traditional composite operator, and allow more detailed future studies of the Higgs mechanism.