Quantum Equivalence of NC and YM Gauge Theories in 2 D and Matrix Theory

We construct noncommutative U(1) gauge theory on the fuzzy sphere S^2_N as a unitary 2N x 2N matrix model. In the quantum theory the model is equivalent to a nonabelian U(N) Yang-Mills theory on a 2 dimensional lattice with 2 plaquettes. This equivalence holds in the " fuzzy sphere" phase where we observe a 3rd order phase transition between weak-coupling and strong-coupling phases of the gauge theory. In the ``matrix'' phase we have a U(N) gauge theory on a single point.Comment: 13 pages, one grap

Monoclinic and triclinic phases in higher-order Devonshire theory

Devonshire theory provides a successful phenomenological description of many cubic perovskite ferroelectrics such as BaTiO3 via a sixth-order expansion of the free energy in the polar order parameter. However, the recent discovery of a novel monoclinic ferroelectric phase in the PZT system by Noheda et al. (Appl. Phys. Lett. 74, 2059 (1999)) poses a challenge to this theory. Here, we confirm that the sixth-order Devonshire theory cannot support a monoclinic phase, and consider extensions of the theory to higher orders. We show that an eighth-order theory allows for three kinds of equilibrium phases in which the polarization is confined not to a symmetry axis but to a symmetry plane. One of these phases provides a natural description of the newly observed monoclinic phase. Moreover, the theory makes testable predictions about the nature of the phase boundaries between monoclinic, tetragonal, and rhombohedral phases. A ferroelectric phase of the lowest (triclinic) symmetry type, in which the polarization is not constrained by symmetry, does not emerge until the Devonshire theory is carried to twelfth order. A topological analysis of the critical points of the free-energy surface facilitates the discussion of the phase transition sequences.Comment: 10 pages, with 5 postscript figures embedded. Uses REVTEX and epsf macros. Also available at http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~dhv/preprints/dv_pzt/index.htm

Gauge Theory on a Quantum Phase Space

In this note we present a operator formulation of gauge theories in a quantum phase space which is specified by a operator algebra. For simplicity we work with the Heisenberg algebra. We introduce the notion of the derivative (transport) and Wilson line (parallel transport) which enables us to construct a gauge theory in a simple way. We illustrate the formulation by a discussion of the Higgs mechanism and comment on the large N masterfield.Comment: Latex, 13 pages, comments and refs. adde