arXiv subjects

Michael C. Ogilvie

Publications and source records attributed to Michael C. Ogilvie.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2007

PT-Symmetric Matrix Quantum Mechanics

Recently developed methods for PT-symmetric models are applied to quantum-mechanical matrix models. We consider in detail the case of potentials of the form $V=-(g/N^{p/2-1})Tr(iM)^{p}$ and show how the calculation of all singlet wave functions can be reduced to solving a one-dimensional PT-symmetric model. The large-N limit of this class of models exists, and properties of the lowest-lying singlet state can be computed using WKB. For $p=3,4$, the energy of this state for small values of $N$ appears to show rapid convergence to the large-N limit. For the special case of $p=4$, we extend recent work on the $-gx^{4}$ potential to the matrix model: we show that the PT-symmetric matrix model is equivalent to a hermitian matrix model with a potential proportional to $+(4g/N)TrΠ^{4}$. However, this hermitian equivalent model includes an anomaly term $\hbar\sqrt{2g/N}TrΠ$. In the large-N limit, the anomaly term does not contribute at leading order to the properties of singlet states.

hep-th↗

arXiv2006

String tension scaling in models of the confined phase

We introduce a D-dimensional Hamiltonian formalism for the study of Polyakov loop models of finite temperature gauge theories in D+1 dimensions. Polyakov loop string tensions are obtained from energy eigenstates of the Hamiltonian. For D=1, the gauge theory reduces to quantum mechanics on the gauge group; for D>1, the Hamiltonian includes hopping terms that link sites on the transverse lattice. The deconfined phase is associated with a ground state which breaks Z(N) symmetry, and Svetitsky-Yaffe critical universality emerges naturally for D>1. A minimal model is proposed which naturally reproduces approximate Casimir scaling for a range of couplings. Different classes of potentials lead to different pictures of how confinement is realized. Such potential energy terms also modify string tension scaling laws, as we demonstrate using two potentials: one representing the perturbative thermal contributions from gluons, and the other arising from magnetic monopoles in certain confining supersymmetric theories.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2006

Equivalence of a Complex $\cP\cT$-Symmetric Quartic Hamiltonian and a Hermitian Quartic Hamiltonian with an Anomaly

In a recent paper Jones and Mateo used operator techniques to show that the non-Hermitian $\cP\cT$-symmetric wrong-sign quartic Hamiltonian $H=\half p^2-gx^4$ has the same spectrum as the conventional Hermitian Hamiltonian $\tilde H=\half p^2+4g x^4-\sqrt{2g} x$. Here, this equivalence is demonstrated very simply by means of differential-equation techniques and, more importantly, by means of functional-integration techniques. It is shown that the linear term in the Hermitian Hamiltonian is anomalous; that is, this linear term has no classical analog. The anomaly arises because of the broken parity symmetry of the original non-Hermitian $\cP\cT$-symmetric Hamiltonian. This anomaly in the Hermitian form of a $\cP\cT$-symmetric quartic Hamiltonian is unchanged if a harmonic term is introduced into $H$. When there is a harmonic term, an immediate physical consequence of the anomaly is the appearance of bound states; if there were no anomaly term, there would be no bound states. Possible extensions of this work to $-ϕ^4$ quantum field theory in higher-dimensional space-time are discussed.

hep-th↗

arXiv2004

Polyakov Loops, Z(N) Symmetry, and Sine-Law Scaling

We construct an effective action for Polyakov loops using the eigenvalues of the Polyakov loops as the fundamental variables. We assume Z(N) symmetry in the confined phase, a finite difference in energy densities between the confined and deconfined phases as $T\to 0$, and a smooth connection to perturbation theory for large $T$. The low-temperature phase consists of $N-1$ independent fields fluctuating around an explicitly Z(N) symmetric background. In the low-temperature phase, the effective action yields non-zero string tensions for all representations with non-trivial $N$-ality. Mixing occurs naturally between representations of the same $N$-ality. Sine-law scaling emerges as a special case, associated with nearest-neighbor interactions between Polyakov loop eigenvalues.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2004

Polyakov Loop Models, Z(N) Symmetry, and Sine-Law Scaling

We construct an effective action for Polyakov loops using the eigenvalues of the Polyakov loops as the fundamental variables. We assume $% Z(N)$ symmetry in the confined phase, a finite difference in energy densities between the confined and deconfined phases as $T\to 0$, and a smooth connection to perturbation theory for large $T$. The low-temperature phase consists of $N-1$ independent fields fluctuating around an explicitly Z(N) symmetric background. In the low-temperature phase, the effective action yields non-zero string tensions for all representations with non-trivial $N$-ality. Mixing occurs naturally between representations of the same $N$-ality. Sine-law scaling emerges as a special case, associated with nearest-neighbor interactions between Polyakov loop eigenvalues.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Lattice Gauge Fixing as Quenching and the Violation of Spectral Positivity

Lattice Landau gauge and other related lattice gauge fixing schemes are known to violate spectral positivity. The most direct sign of the violation is the rise of the effective mass as a function of distance. The origin of this phenomenon lies in the quenched character of the auxiliary field $g$ used to implement lattice gauge fixing, and is similar to quenched QCD in this respect. This is best studied using the PJLZ formalism, leading to a class of covariant gauges similar to the one-parameter class of covariant gauges commonly used in continuum gauge theories. Soluble models are used to illustrate the origin of the violation of spectral positivity. The phase diagram of the lattice theory, as a function of the gauge coupling $β$ and the gauge-fixing parameter $α$, is similar to that of the unquenched theory, a Higgs model of a type first studied by Fradkin and Shenker. The gluon propagator is interpreted as yielding bound states in the confined phase, and a mixture of fundamental particles in the Higgs phase, but lattice simulation shows the two phases are connected. Gauge field propagators from the simulation of an SU(2) lattice gauge theory on a $20^4$ lattice are well described by a quenched mass-mixing model. The mass of the lightest state, which we interpret as the gluon mass, appears to be independent of $α$ for sufficiently large $α$.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2003

Gluon Quasiparticles and the Polyakov Loop

A synthesis of Polyakov loop models of the deconfinement transition and quasiparticle models of gluon plasma thermodynamics leads to a class of models in which gluon quasiparticles move in a non-trivial Polyakov loop background. These models are successful candidates for explaining both critical behavior and the equation of state for the SU(3) gauge theory at temperatures above the deconfinement temperature T_c. Polyakov loops effects are most important at intermediate temperatures from T_c up to roughly 2.5 T_c, while quasiparticle mass effects provide the dominant correction to blackbody behavior at higher temperatures.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2003

Theory and Phenomenology of the Polyakov loop in QCD Thermodynamics

A synthesis of Polyakov loop models of the deconfinement transition and quasiparticle models of gluon plasma thermodynamics leads to a class of models in which gluons move in a non-trivial Polyakov loop background. These models are successful candidates for explaining both critical behavior and the equation of state for the SU(3) gauge theory at finite temperature. Two sensitive lattice probes which can discriminate between models are the Polyakov loop P and e-3p.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2003

Lattice Gauge Fixing and the Violation of Spectral Positivity

Spectral positivity is known to be violated by some forms of lattice gauge fixing. The most notable example is lattice Landau gauge, where the effective gluon mass is observed to rise rather than fall with increasing distance. We trace this violation to the use of quenched auxiliary fields in the lattice gauge fixing process, and show that violation of spectral positivity is a general feature of quenching. We illustrate this with a simple quenched mass-mixing model in continuum field theory, and with a quenched form of the Ising model. For lattice gauge fixing associated with Abelian projection and lattice Landau gauge, we show that spectral positivity is violated by processes similar to those found in quenched QCD. For covariant gauges parametrized by a gauge-fixing parameter $α$, the SU(2) gluon propagator is well described by a simple quenched mass-mixing formula. The gluon mass parameter appears to be independent of $α$ for sufficiently large $α$.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2002

A Phenomenological Treatment of Chiral Symmetry Restoration and Deconfinement

A phenomenological expression for the thermodynamic potential of gluons and quarks is constructed which incorporates the features of deconfinement and chiral symmetry restoration known from lattice simulations. The thermodynamic potential is a function of the Polyakov loop and chiral condensate expectation values. The gluonic sector uses a successful model for pure (SU(N_c)) gauge theories in which the Polyakov loop eigenvalues are the fundamental order parameters for deconfinement. The quark sector is given by a Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model in which a constant background (A_0) field couples the chiral condensate to the Polyakov loop. We consider the case of (N_f = 2) in detail. For two massless quarks, we find a second order chiral phase transition. Confinement effects push the transition to higher temperatures, but the entropy associated with the gluonic sector acts in the opposite direction. For light mass quarks, only a rapid crossover occurs. For sufficiently heavy quarks, a first order deconfinement transition emerges. This simplest model has one adjustable parameter, which can be set from the chiral transition temperature for light quarks. It predicts all thermodynamic quantities as well as the behavior of the chiral condensate and the Polyakov loop over a wide range of temperatures.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2002

Center Symmetry and Abelian Projection at Finite Temperature

At finite temperature, there is an apparent conflict between Abelian projection and critical universality. For example, should the deconfinement transition of an SU(2) gauge theory projected to U(1) lie in the Z(2) universality class of the parent SU(2) theory or in the U(1) universality class? I prove that the projected theory lies in the universality class of the parent gauge theory. The mechanism is shown to be non-local terms in the projected effective action involving Polyakov loops. I connect this to the recent work by Dunne et al. on the deconfinement transition in the 2+1 dimensional Georgi-Glashow model.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2002

The Finite Temperature SU(2) Savvidy Model with a Non-trivial Polyakov Loop

We calculate the complete one-loop effective potential for SU(2) gauge bosons at temperature T as a function of two variables: phi, the angle associated with a non-trivial Polyakov loop, and H, a constant background chromomagnetic field. Using techniques broadly applicable to finite temperature field theories, we develop both low and high temperature expansions. At low temperatures, the real part of the effective potential V_R indicates a rich phase structure, with a discontinuous alternation between confined (phi=pi) and deconfined phases (phi=0). The background field H moves slowly upward from its zero-temperature value as T increases, in such a way that sqrt(gH)/(pi T) is approximately an integer. Beyond a certain temperature on the order of sqrt(gH), the deconfined phase is always preferred. At high temperatures, where asymptotic freedom applies, the deconfined phase phi=0 is always preferred, and sqrt(gH) is of order g^2(T)T. The imaginary part of the effective potential is non-zero at the global minimum of V_R for all temperatures. A non-perturbative magnetic screening mass of the form M_m = cg^2(T)T with a sufficiently large coefficient c removes this instability at high temperature, leading to a stable high-temperature phase with phi=0 and H=0, characteristic of a weakly-interacting gas of gauge particles. The value of M_m obtained is comparable with lattice estimates.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Complete High Temperature Expansions for One-Loop Finite Temperature Effects

We develop exact, simple closed form expressions for partition functions associated with relativistic bosons and fermions in odd spatial dimensions. These expressions, valid at high temperature, include the effects of a non-trivial Polyakov loop and generalize well-known high temperature expansions. The key technical point is the proof of a set of Bessel function identities which resum low temperature expansions into high temperature expansions. The complete expressions for these partition functions can be used to obtain one-loop finite temperature contributions to effective potentials, and thus free energies and pressures.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Phenomenological Models of the Quark-Gluon Plasma Equation of State

Two phenomenological models describing an SU(N) quark-gluon plasma are presented. The first is obtained from high temperature expansions of the free energy of a massive gluon, while the second is derived by demanding color neutrality over a certain length scale. Each model has a single free parameter, exhibits behavior similar to lattice simulations over the range T_d-5T_d, and has the correct blackbody behavior for large temperatures. The N=2 deconfinement transition is second order in both models, while N=3,4, and 5 are first order. Both modelsappear to have a smooth large-N limit. In both models, the confined phase is characterized by a mutual repulsion of Polyakov loop eigenvalues that makes the Polyakov loop expectation value zero. In the deconfined phase, the rotation of the eigenvalues in the complex plane towards 1 is responsible for the approach to the blackbody limit over the range T_d-5T_d. The addition of quarks in SU(3) breaks Z(3) symmetry weakly and eliminates the deconfining phase transition for sufficiently light quarks.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2001

Phenomenological Equations of State for SU(N) Gauge Theories

Two phenomenological models describing an SU(N) gluon plasma are presented using the eigenvalues of the Polyakov loop as the order parameters of the deconfinement transition. Each model has a single free parameter and exhibits behavior similar to lattice simulations over the range T_d-5T_d. The N=2 deconfinement transition is second order in both models, while N=3,4, and 5 are first order. Both models appear to have a smooth large-N limit. The confined phase is characterized by a mutual repulsion of Polyakov loop eigenvalues that makes the Polyakov loop expectation value zero. The motion of the eigenvalues is responsible for the approach to the blackbody limit over the range T_d-5T_d.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2001

Phenomenological Equations of State for the Quark-Gluon Plasma

Two phenomenological models describing an SU(N) quark-gluon plasma are presented. The first is obtained from high temperature expansions of the free energy of a massive gluon, while the second is derived by demanding color neutrality over a certain length scale. Each model has a single free parameter, exhibits behavior similar to lattice simulations over the range T_d - 5T_d, and has the correct blackbody behavior for large temperatures. The N = 2 deconfinement transition is second order in both models, while N = 3,4, and 5 are first order. Both models appear to have a smooth large-N limit. For N >= 4, it is shown that the trace of the Polyakov loop is insufficient to characterize the phase structure; the free energy is best described using the eigenvalues of the Polyakov loop. In both models, the confined phase is characterized by a mutual repulsion of Polyakov loop eigenvalues that makes the Polyakov loop expectation value zero. In the deconfined phase, the rotation of the eigenvalues in the complex plane towards 1 is responsible for the approach to the blackbody limit over the range T_d - 5T_d. The addition of massless quarks in SU(3) breaks Z(3) symmetry weakly and eliminates the deconfining phase transition. In contrast, a first-order phase transition persists with sufficiently heavy quarks.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2001

Nonequilibrium Aspects of Quantum Field Theory

We have developed a method for extracting equilibrium observables from non-equilibrium simulations by rapidly changing the temperature and recording the subsequent evolution of the Polyakov loop. Both nucleation and spinodal decomposition are observed to occur. In the latter case the Polyakov loop correlation function shows exponential growth for wavenumbers less than or equal to the critical wavenumber k_c. We have constructed the bare as wee as the effective potential for the Polyakov loop, from which k_c and m_D/k_c can be extracted as a function of temperature. The shift from spinodal decomposition to nucleation as the dominant equilibration mechanism occurs at the spinodal temperature that separates these two regimes.

hep-lat↗

arXiv2000

Spinodal Decomposition in Finite Temperature SU(2) and SU(3)

After a rapid increase in temperature across the deconfinement temperature T_d to temperatures T >> T_d, pure gauge theories exhibit unstable long wavelength fluctuations in the approach to equilibrium. This phenomenon is analogous to spinodal decomposition observed in condensed matter physics, and also seen in models of disordered chiral condensate formation. At high temperature, the unstable modes occur only in the range 0 < k < k_c, where k_c is on the order of the Debye screening mass m_D. Equilibration always occurs via spinodal decomposition for SU(2). For SU(3) at T near T_d, nucleation replaces spinodal decomposition as the dominant equilibration mechanism. Monte Carlo simulations of SU(2) and SU(3) lattice gauge theories exhibit the predicted phenomena. For SU(2), the observed value of k_c is in reasonable agreement with a value predicted from previous lattice measurements of m_D.

hep-lat↗