# Loop functions at finite temperature from perturbation theory to lattice QCD

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the current understanding of Polyakov loops and their correlators in thermal QCD, combining insights from perturbation theory and lattice QCD to enhance comprehension of finite temperature effects.

## Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of perturbative and lattice results for Polyakov loop correlators in thermal QCD, highlighting areas of agreement and discrepancy.

## Key findings

- Agreement between perturbation theory and lattice results at high temperatures
- Identification of limitations of perturbative approaches at lower temperatures
- Insights into the behavior of Polyakov loops near the deconfinement transition

## Abstract

We review our present knowledge of the Polyakov loop, the correlator of Polyakov loops and the singlet correlator in thermal QCD from the point of view of perturbation theory and lattice QCD.