Why the SU(\infty) phase transition might be of second order

TL;DR

This paper argues that in pure SU(N_c) gauge theories without quarks, the deconfining phase transition is likely second order for N_c ≥ 4, based on known behaviors of SU(3) and theoretical reasoning.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical argument suggesting the order of the deconfining phase transition for SU(N_c) gauge theories with N_c ≥ 4.

Findings

Deconfining phase transition is of second order for N_c ≥ 4.

Based on known SU(3) phase transition behavior.

Theoretical reasoning extends to larger N_c theories.

Abstract

Based upon what is known about the phase transition(s) of an SU(3) gauge theory, we argue that in a SU(N_c) gauge theory without quarks, at nonzero temperature the deconfining phase transition is of second order when N_c \geq 4.