Multi-Layer Structure in the Strongly Five Dimensional Abelian Higgs Model

TL;DR

This paper investigates the phase transitions in a 5D anisotropic Abelian Higgs model using Monte Carlo simulations, revealing a first-order transition and layer decoupling in certain parameter regions.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the phase structure of the 5D Abelian Higgs model, especially regarding layer decoupling and the nature of phase transitions.

Findings

First-order phase transition observed between confining and Higgs phases.

Layer decoupling occurs where each layer transitions independently.

The phase diagram exhibits regions with distinct transition behaviors.

Abstract

We explore the phase diagram of the 5--D anisotropic Abelian Higgs model by Monte Carlo simulations. In particular, we study the transition between the confining phase and the four dimensional layered Higgs phase. We find that, in a certain region of the lattice parameter space, this transition can be first order and that each layer moves into the Higgs phase independently of the others (decoupling of layers).