Finite size analysis of the pseudo specific heat in SU(2) gauge theory

Abstract

We investigate the pseudo specific heat of SU(2) gauge theory near the crossover point on $4^4$ to $16^4$ lattices. Several different methods are used to determine the specific heat. The curious finite size dependence of the peak maximum is explained from the interplay of the crossover phenomenon with the deconfinement transition occurring due to the finite extension of the lattice. In this context we calculate the modulus of the lattice average of the Polyakov loop on symmetric lattices and compare it to the prediction from a random walk model.