Cooling, Monopoles, and Vortices in SU(2) Lattice Gauge Theory

Abstract

We study monopoles and vortices in SU(2) lattice gauge theory on a 24**4 lattice at beta=2.50. We find a value of fundamental string tension from monopoles in the maximum Abelian gauge consistent with the full SU(2) value. Using direct and indirect center gauges, we find fundamental string tension values from P-vortices which are larger than the full SU(2) result. After a single cooling sweep, the string tensions from monopoles and P-vortices are all 30% lower than the full SU(2) value, while the U(1) string tension in the maximum Abelian gauge remains consistent with the full SU(2) result. Blocking the lattice after cooling does not restore the low values of string tension found with monopoles and vortices.