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arXiv · hep-th/0507221

Liquid crystal defects and confinement in Yang-Mills theory

M. N. Chernodub
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Abstract

We show that in the Landau gauge of the SU(2) Yang-Mills theory the residual global symmetry supports existence of the topological vortices which resemble disclination defects in the nematic liquid crystals and the Alice (half-quantum) vortices in the superfluid heluim 3 in the A-phase. The theory also possesses half-integer and integer charged monopoles which are analogous to the point-like defects in the nematic crystal and in the liquid helium. We argue that the deconfinement phase transition in the Yang-Mills theory in the Landau gauge is associated with the proliferation of these vortices and/or monopoles. The disorder caused by these defects is suggested to be responsible for the confinement of quarks in the low-temperature phase.

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M. N. Chernodub. 2005-07-22. Liquid crystal defects and confinement in Yang-Mills theory. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0021364006070022

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