Dimensional Reduction in High Temperature Gauge Theories

TL;DR

This paper provides evidence for dimensional reduction in high temperature gauge theories by measuring screening masses, showing their ratios match three-dimensional gauge theory predictions, and ruling out perturbative explanations.

Contribution

It offers the first strong evidence for dimensional reduction in gauge theories at high temperatures through non-perturbative mass measurements.

Findings

Screening masses support dimensional reduction at T ≥ 2T_c.

Mass ratios align with three-dimensional gauge theory.

Perturbative explanations are inconsistent with observed masses.

Abstract

Screening masses in the equilibrium thermodynamics of gauge theories were measured. The spectroscopy of these screening masses gives strong evidence for dimensional reduction at $T\ge2T_c$. A perturbative explanation of these masses is ruled out. The mass ratios in the high temperature phase are consistent with those in the pure gauge theory in three dimensions.