Polyakov Loop Percolation and Deconfinement in SU(2) Gauge Theory
Abstract
The deconfinement transition in SU(2) gauge theory and the magnetization transition in the Ising model belong to the same universality class. The critical behaviour of the Ising model can be characterized either as spontaneous breaking of the Z2 symmetry of spin states or as percolation of appropriately defined spin clusters. We show that deconfinement in SU(2) gauge theory can be specified as percolation of Polyakov loop clusters with Fortuin-Kasteleyn bond weights, leading to the same (Onsager) critical exponents as the conventional order-disorder description based on the Polyakov loop expectation value.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.