Variational calculation of vacua in the Z(2) gauge theory

D. Horn*, E. Katznelson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

We apply a variational technique which is a generalization of mean field theory of a local gauge theory in 2 + 1 dimensions. We reproduce the correct features of the gauge and matter Z(2) theory within the matter-screening phase. Using big enough clusters of links, we calculate the behaviour of a Wilson loop. Applying the method to the pure gauge theory, we obtain two phases characterized by order and disorder of local surface order parameters. The clusters calculation leads to a first-order transition for the pure gauge theory and to a non-leading minimum for the gauge screening phase of the gauge with matter theory. Yet it can be employed to calculate the physical features inside all the phases of these theories.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)237-252
Number of pages16
JournalNuclear Physics, Section B
Volume190
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 24 Aug 1981

Funding

FundersFunder number
Israel Commission for Basic Research & US-Israel Bi-National Science Foundation
United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation

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