Phases of Theories with Z N 1-Form Symmetry, and the Roles of Center Vortices and Magnetic Monopoles
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We analyze the phases of theories having a microscopic Z_{N} 1-form symmetry, starting with a topological BF theory and deforming it so that only the microscopic symmetry is preserved. These theories have a well-defined notion of confinement, prototypical examples being pure SU(N) and Z_{N} gauge theories in the continuum and on the lattice. Our analysis shows that the generic phases are in d=2, only the confined phase; in d=3, both the confined phase and the topological BF phase; and in d=4, the confined phase, the topological BF phase, and a Coulomb phase. We construct a Z_{N} lattice gauge theory with a deformation that, surprisingly, produces up to (N-1) photons. We give an interpretation of these findings in terms of the behaviors of two competing drivers of confinement-magnetic monopoles and center vortices-and conclude that proliferation of center vortices is necessary but insufficient for confinement, while proliferation of magnetic monopoles is both necessary and sufficient.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Authors: Mendel Nguyen, Tin Sulejmanpasic, Mithat Ünsal
Institutions: North Carolina State University, Durham University
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,750
OpenAlex ID: W4409219677