Can a Logarithmically Running Coupling Mimic a String Tension?

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a Coulomb potential with a carefully modified logarithmic running coupling can mimic a linear confining potential, challenging traditional interpretations of string tension in lattice gauge theory.

Contribution

It introduces a modified running coupling in Coulomb potential models that reproduces linear confinement-like behavior without an explicit string tension term.

Findings

Lattice data fits well with the modified Coulomb potential

Potential appears nearly linear over large distances

Questions the necessity of a constant string tension in confinement models

Abstract

It is shown that a Coulomb potential using a running coupling slightly modified from the perturbative form can produce an interquark potential that appears nearly linear over a large distance range. Recent high-statistics SU(2) lattice gauge theory data fit well to this potential without the need for a linear string-tension term. This calls into question the accuracy of string tension measurements which are based on the assumption of a constant coefficient for the Coulomb term. It also opens up the possibility of obtaining an effectively confining potential from gluon exchange alone.