Model independent approach to studies of the confining dual Abrikosov vortex in SU(2) lattice gauge theory

We address the problem of determining the type I, type II or borderline dual superconductor behavior in maximal Abelian gauge SU(2) through the study of the dual Abrikosov vortex. We find that significant electric currents in the simulation data call into question the use of the dual Ginzburg Landau Higgs model in interpreting the data. Further, two definitions of the penetration depth parameter take two different values. The splitting of this parameter into two is intricately connected to the existence of electric currents. It is important in our approach that we employ definitions of flux and electric and magnetic currents that respect Maxwell equations exactly for lattice averages independent of lattice spacings. Applied to specific Wilson loop sizes, our conclusions differ from those that use the dual GLH model.Comment: 18 pages, 14 figures, change title, new anaylysis with more figure

Distribution of the color fields around static quarks: Flux tube profiles

We report detailed calculations of the profiles of energy and action densities in the quark-antiquark string in SU(2) lattice gauge theory.Comment: 40 pages, LSUHE 94-15

Color flux distribution on the lattice

We describe the work by the Cracow-LSU collaboration on Chromoelectric and chromomagnetic flux distributions around the static charges. We find that large cancellations between electric and magnetic energy density lead to a narrow flux tube

Flux-tubes in three-dimensional lattice gauge theories

Flux-tubes in different representations of SU(2) and U(1) lattice gauge theories in three dimensions are measured. Wilson loops generate heavy ``quark-antiquark'' pairs in fundamental ($j=1/2$), adjoint ($j=1$), and quartet ($j=3/2$) representations of SU(2). The first direct lattice measurements of the flux-tube cross-section ${\cal A}_j$ as a function of representation are made. It is found that ${\cal A}_j \approx {\rm constant}$, to about 10\%. Results are consistent with a connection between the string tension $\sigma_j$ and ${\cal A}_j$ suggested by a simplified flux-tube model, $\sigma_j = g^2 j(j+1) / (2 {\cal A}_j)$ [$g$ is the gauge coupling], given that $\sigma_j$ scales like the Casimir $j(j+1)$, as observed in previous lattice studies in both three and four dimensions. The results can discriminate among phenomenological models of the physics underlying confinement. Flux-tubes for singly- and doubly-charged Wilson loops in compact QED$_3$ are also measured. It is found that the string tension scales as the squared-charge and the flux-tube cross-section is independent of charge to good approximation. These SU(2) and U(1) simulations lend some support, albeit indirectly, to a conjecture that the dual superconductor mechanism underlies confinement in compact gauge theories in both three and four dimensions.Comment: 15 pages (REVTEX 2.1). Figures: 11, not included (available by request from [email protected] by regular mail, postscript files, or one self-unpacking uuencoded file