Discrete $p$-Form Symmetry and Higher Coulomb Phases

Abstract

We argue that a field theory with a $\mathbb Z_N$ $p$-form symmetry generically admits, in addition to a Higgs phase and a 'confining' phase, a Coulomb phase in which the infrared theory contains Abelian $p$-form electrodynamics, similar to the behaviour of Yang-Mills theory coupled to adjoint or fundamental matter. We illustrate our claim with continuum and lattice examples.