Gauge-invariant variables, WZW models and (2+1)-dimensional Yang-Mills theory

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in (2+1)-dimensional Yang-Mills theory using gauge-invariant variables, including calculations of the vacuum wavefunction, string tension, and gluon propagator mass, with implications for higher-dimensional theories.

Contribution

It introduces new gauge-invariant variables and analytic methods to compute key physical quantities in YM_{2+1} theory, connecting to YM_{3+1} at finite temperature.

Findings

Analytic calculation of string tension

Determination of gluon propagator mass

Relation to magnetic mass in YM_{3+1} at nonzero temperature

Abstract

Recent progress in understanding (2+1)-dimensional Yang-Mills (YM_{2+1}) theory via the use of gauge-invariant variables is reviewed. Among other things, we discuss the vacuum wavefunction, an analytic calculation of the string tension and the propagator mass for gluons and its relation to the magnetic mass for YM_{3+1} at nonzero temperature.