Magnetic ZN symmetry in hot QCD and the spatial Wilson loop
Abstract
We discuss the relation between the deconfining phase transition in gauge theories and the realization of the magnetic ZN symmetry. At low temperature the ZN symmetry is spontaneously broken while above the phase transition it is restored. This is intimately related to the change of behavior of the spatial 't Hooft loop. We also point out that the realization of magnetic symmetry has a bearing on the behavior of the spatial Wilson loop. We give a physical argument to the effect that at zero temperature the spatial Wilson loop must have perimeter law behavior in the symmetric phase but area law behavior in the spontaneously broken phase. At high temperature the argument does not hold and the restoration of magnetic ZN is consistent with the area law for the Wilson loop.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review D
- Pub Date:
- November 2000
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevD.62.096008
- arXiv:
- arXiv:hep-ph/0004052
- Bibcode:
- 2000PhRvD..62i6008K
- Keywords:
-
- 11.10.Wx;
- Finite-temperature field theory;
- High Energy Physics - Phenomenology
- E-Print:
- 30 pages, discussion of the Wilson loop at high temperature completely revised, new references added