Finite-size scaling and deconfinement transition: the case of 4D SU(2) pure gauge theory

Abstract

A recently introduced method for determining the critical indices of the deconfinement transition in gauge theories, already tested for the case of 3D SU(3) pure gauge theory, is applied here to 4D SU(2) pure gauge theory. The method is inspired by universality and based on the finite size scaling behavior of the expectation value of simple lattice operators, such as the plaquette. We obtain an accurate determination of the critical index $\nu$, in agreement with the prediction of the Svetitsky-Yaffe conjecture.