New phases of finite temperature gauge theory from an extended action

Abstract

We study the behavior of the order parameter, the phase diagram, and the thermodynamics of exotic phases of finite temperature gauge theory. Lattice simulations were performed in SU(3) and SU(4) with an adjoint Polyakov loop term added to the standard Wilson action. In SU(3), the pattern of Z(3) symmetry breaking in the new phase is distinct from the pattern observed in the deconfined phase. In SU(4), the Z(4) symmetry is spontaneously broken down to Z(2), representing a partially-confined phase. The existence of the new phases is confirmed in analytical calculations of the free energy based on high-temperature perturbation theory.