Critical Exponents for U(1) Lattice Gauge Theory at Finite Temperature

Abstract

For compact U(1) lattice gauge theory (LGT) we have performed a finite size scaling analysis on $N_{\tau} N_s^3$ lattices for $N_{\tau}$ fixed and $N_s\to\infty$, approaching the phase transition from the confined phase. For $N_{\tau}=4$, 5 and 6 our data contradict the expected scenario that this transition is either first order or in the universality class of the 3d XY model. If there are no conceptional flaws in applying the argument that the Gaussian fixed point in 3d is unstable to our systems, estimates of the critical exponents $\alpha/\nu$, $\gamma/\nu$, $(1-\beta)/\nu$ and $2-\eta$ indicate the existence of a new, non-trivial renormalization group fixed point for second order phase transitions in 3d. Such a fixed point would be of importance for renormalization group theory and statistical physics.