Center Vortex Model for SU(3) Yang-Mills Theory

TL;DR

This paper reviews the center vortex model for SU(3) Yang-Mills theory, highlighting its ability to reproduce confinement, vortex branching phenomena, and the deconfinement phase transition consistent with lattice results.

Contribution

It introduces vortex branching into the model and demonstrates its role in capturing the first order phase transition in SU(3) Yang-Mills theory.

Findings

Vortex free energy acts as an order parameter for deconfinement.

Vortex branching is crucial for the first order phase transition.

Model results agree with lattice gauge theory predictions.

Abstract

The center vortex model for the infrared sector of SU(3) Yang-Mills theory is reviewed. After discussing the physical foundations underlying the model, some technical aspects of its realisation are discussed. The confining properties of the model are presented in some detail and compared to known results from full lattice Yang-Mills theory. Particular emphasis is put on the new phenomenon of vortex branching, which is instrumental in establishing first order behaviour of the SU(3) phase transition. Finally, the vortex free energy is verified to furnish an order parameter for the deconfinement phase transition. It is shown to exhibit a weak discontinuity at the critical temperature, in agreement with predictions from lattice gauge theory.