Thick vortices in SU(2) lattice gauge theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates the role of thick vortices in three-dimensional SU(2) lattice gauge theory, showing their persistence and influence on phase transitions after eliminating thin monopoles.

Contribution

It introduces a method to study thick vortices by removing thin monopoles, revealing their impact on long-range fluctuations and phase behavior.

Findings

Thick vortex condensate persists after thin monopoles are removed.

Thick vortices drive a phase transition at a different temperature than thin vortices.

Thick vortices decouple at a lower temperature, influencing long-range fluctuations.

Abstract

Three dimensional SU(2) lattice gauge theory is studied after eliminating thin monopoles and the smallest thick monopoles. Kinematically this constraint allows the formation of thick vortex loops which produce Z(2) fluctuations at longer length scales. The thick vortex loops are identified in a three dimensional simulation. A condensate of thick vortices persists even after the thin vortices have all disappeared. The thick vortices decouple at a slightly lower temperature (higher beta) than the thin vortices and drive a phase transition.