Related papers: Center vortices and k-strings
We point out that there is a natural explanation, in terms of the center vortex confinement mechanism, for the expected Casimir/Sine Law scaling of k-string tensions in the large N limit. The crucial ingredient is the existence of Z(N)…
We discuss two issues related to the physics of center vortices in pure SU(N) lattice gauge theory at large N: (1) Center vortices are stable classical solutions of the Wilson action, as well as of a wide class of improved lattice actions,…
In d=3 SU(N) gauge theory, we study a scalar field theory model of center vortices that furnishes an approach to the determination of so-called k-string tensions. This model is constructed from string-like quantum solitons introduced…
We present numerical evidence that supports the theory of quark confinement based on center vortex condensation. We introduce a special gauge ("maximal center gauge") and center projection, suitable for identification of center vortices.…
We report on two recent developments in the center vortex theory of confinement: (i) the asymptotic scaling of the vortex density, as measured in Monte Carlo simulations; and (ii) an explanation of Casimir scaling and the adjoint string…
Center projection of SU(2) lattice gauge theory allows to isolate magnetic vortices as confining configurations. The vortex density scales according to the renormalization group, implying that the vortices are physical objects rather than…
We address the question of whether the large-N expansion in pure SU(N) gauge theories requires that k-string tensions must have a power series expansion in 1/N^2, as in the sine law, or whether 1/N contributions are also allowable, as in…
We compute, for the four-dimensional SU(4) and SU(6) gauge theories formulated on a lattice, the string tensions sigma_k related to sources with Z_N charge k, using Monte Carlo simulations. Our results are compatible with sigma_k \propto…
We calculate the string tensions of $k$-strings in SU($N$) gauge theories in both 3 and 4 dimensions. In D=3+1, we find that the ratio of the $k=2$ string tension to the $k = 1$ fundamental string tension is consistent, at the $2 \sigma$…
We review recent developments in the vortex picture of confinement. We discuss numerical simulations demonstrating that the entire asymptotic string tension is due to vortex-induced fluctuations of the Wilson loop. Analytical and numerical…
In the context of four-dimensional SU(N) gauge theories, we study the spectrum of the confining strings. We compute, for the SU(6) gauge theory formulated on a lattice, the three independent string tensions sigma_k related to sources with…
The large N limit of SU(N) gauge theories in 3+1 dimensions is investigated on the lattice by extrapolating results obtained for $2 \le N \le 5$. A numerical determination of the masses of the lowest-lying glueball states and of the…
Lattice simulations are presented showing the expectation of the fluctuation of the Wilson loop solely by elements of the center to fully reproduce the SU(3) heavy quark potential. The results are stable under smoothing, and point to thick…
I summarise what lattice methods can contribute to our understanding of the phenomenology of QCD at large Nc and describe some recent work on the physics of SU(Nc) gauge theories. These non-perturbative calculations show that there is…
We consider whether the 1/N corrections to k-string tensions must begin at order 1/N^2, as in the Sine Law, or whether odd powers of 1/N, as in Casimir Scaling, are also acceptable. The issue is important because different models of…
SU(N) gauge theories, extended with adjoint fermions having periodic boundary conditions, are confining at high temperature for sufficiently light fermion mass $m$. In the high temperature confining region, the one-loop effective potential…
In SU(2) lattice gauge theory in maximal center gauge, we investigate the dependence of center-projected Creutz ratios and the vortex density on lattice size and the number of gauge copies. The dependence on the number of copies is rather…
We discuss the physical picture of thick vortices as the mechanism responsible for confinement at arbitrarily weak coupling in SU(2) gauge theory. By introducing appropriate variables on the lattice we distinguish between thin, thick and…
We study the spectrum of the confining strings in four-dimensional SU(N) gauge theories. We compute, for the SU(4) and SU(6) gauge theories formulated on a lattice, the string tensions sigma_k related to sources with Z_N charge k, using…
There has been substantial progress in understanding a class of SU(N) gauge theories that are confining at high temperatures. This class includes theories with center-symmetric Polyakov loop deformations or with periodic adjoint fermions.…