Confinement-deconfinement and universal string effects from random percolation

TL;DR

This paper explores how a three-dimensional gauge theory based on random percolation exhibits confinement, universal string effects, and a finite temperature deconfinement transition, linking percolation phenomena with gauge theory concepts.

Contribution

It introduces a novel gauge theory framework on percolation clusters, connecting topological linking, Wilson loops, and flux tube fluctuations to confinement and deconfinement.

Findings

Wilson loops decay with an area law beyond percolation threshold

Universal shape effects due to flux tube fluctuations observed

Finite temperature deconfinement linked to cluster breakdown in one direction

Abstract

The 't Hooft criterion leading to confinement out of a percolating cluster of central vortices suggests defining a novel three-dimensional gauge theory directly on a random percolation process. Wilson loop is viewed as a counter of topological linking with the random clusters. Beyond the percolation threshold large Wilson loops decay with an area law and show the universal shape effects due to flux tube fluctuations. Wilson loop correlators define a non-trivial glueball spectrum. The crumbling of the percolating cluster when one periodic direction narrows accounts for the finite temperature deconfinement, which belongs to 2D percolation universality class.