SO(3) vs. SU(2) Yang-Mills theory on the lattice: an investigation at non-zero temperature

TL;DR

This paper investigates the finite-temperature phase transition in the adjoint SU(2) lattice gauge theory with a Z(2) monopole suppression term, focusing on its independence from bulk transitions.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the phase structure of adjoint SU(2) gauge theory at finite temperature, highlighting the decoupling from bulk transitions.

Findings

Identification of a finite-temperature phase transition separate from bulk transitions

Analysis of the effects of Z(2) monopole suppression on phase structure

Evidence supporting the existence of a distinct thermal transition in the model

Abstract

The adjoint SU(2) lattice gauge theory in 3+1 dimensions with the Wilson plaquette action modified by a Z(2) monopole suppression term is reinvestigated with special emphasis on the existence of a finite-temperature phase transition decoupling from the well-known bulk transitions.