Precision Lattice Calculation of SU(2) 't Hooft loops

TL;DR

This paper calculates the dual string tension of 't Hooft loops in SU(2) Yang-Mills theory using lattice methods, compares it with perturbative predictions, and finds good agreement at high temperatures.

Contribution

It extends the perturbative calculation of interface tension to the lattice and compares it with Monte Carlo results for SU(2), highlighting significant lattice corrections.

Findings

Large lattice corrections to interface tension

Agreement between Monte Carlo and perturbation theory at 2% level

Validates perturbative approach at high temperatures

Abstract

The [dual] string tension of a spatial 't Hooft loop in the deconfined phase of Yang-Mills theory can be formulated as the tension of an interface separating different Z_N deconfined vacua. We review the 1-loop perturbative calculation of this interface tension in the continuum and extend it to the lattice. The lattice corrections are large. Taking these corrections into account, we compare Monte Carlo measurements of the dual string tension with perturbation theory, for SU(2). Agreement is observed at the 2% level, down to temperatures O(10) T_c.