Order Parameter in a Gauge Theory, Can we find one in a Gauge Theory(like QCD)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of defining an order parameter in gauge theories, specifically in Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), to study phase transitions. Participants explore various potential order parameters and their implications in the context of confinement and deconfinement phases in QCD.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the existence of an order parameter for phase transitions in gauge theories like QCD.
  • Another participant suggests that the quark and gluon condensates, specifically the expectation values \langle 0|q\bar q|0\rangle and \langle 0|F^a_{\mu\nu}F^{\mu\nu}_a|0\rangle, could serve as order parameters, linking them to confinement and the mass of the pion.
  • A different participant mentions the Wilson loop as a potential order parameter for pure gauge theories, though the application and implications are not fully elaborated.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the Wilson loop and requests clarification or examples regarding its use as a criterion for confinement.
  • Another participant elaborates on the expectation value of the Wilson loop and suggests using lattice regularization to visualize its role in confinement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views regarding potential order parameters in gauge theories, with no consensus reached on a definitive answer or method.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their claims, and there are references to specific texts and models that may not be universally accepted or understood among all contributors.

pedroall
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Hello Community!
I can't find a good answer(if there is) to my question.
When in statistical mechanics we can define the order parameter for to study some phase transition. we need to define a order parameter.
Now, I want to know if we can to define/find some "order parameter" for to study the phase transition in a Gauge Theory, for example, in QCD, which is a Gauge Theory and there we have different phase transition.
Then, a Order Parameter in a Gauge Theory: Can we find/define one in a Gauge Theory(like QCD)?
I hope some comment.
Thank you!
 
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I am not 100% sure but I am confident that two possible order parameters for QCD are the quark and gluon condensate, i.e. the following expectation values: \langle 0|q\bar q|0\rangle and \langle 0|F^a_{\mu\nu}F^{\mu\nu}_a|0\rangle. These expectation values on the vacuum state are usually non-zero and determine, for example, the mass of the pion. The fact that they are non-zero is also closely related to confinement (see for example the MIT bag model). If I remember correctly, at sufficiently high temperature/density the might vanish again, indicating a change from a confined to a deconfined phase (see for example the Quark-Gluon-Plasma).

This is pretty well explained in Yagi book "Quark-Gluon-Plasma: From Big Bang to Little Bang".

I hope this is useful.
 
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For pure gauge, one can use the Wilson loop.
 
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Einj said:
I am not 100% sure but I am confident that two possible order parameters for QCD are the quark and gluon condensate, i.e. the following expectation values: \langle 0|q\bar q|0\rangle and \langle 0|F^a_{\mu\nu}F^{\mu\nu}_a|0\rangle. These expectation values on the vacuum state are usually non-zero and determine, for example, the mass of the pion. The fact that they are non-zero is also closely related to confinement (see for example the MIT bag model). If I remember correctly, at sufficiently high temperature/density the might vanish again, indicating a change from a confined to a deconfined phase (see for example the Quark-Gluon-Plasma).

This is pretty well explained in Yagi book "Quark-Gluon-Plasma: From Big Bang to Little Bang".

I hope this is useful.
Thank you Einj! for your comment, I will review your information and read the recomendation.
 
jfy4 said:
For pure gauge, one can use the Wilson loop.
How do you say "..use Wilson loop"?. Sorry, but, only I know which the Wilson loop it's a great criterion for confinement. The idea which I know it's a very and basic aplication of Wilson. Can you tell me some example or reference please? thank you!
 
pedroall said:
How do you say "..use Wilson loop"?. Sorry, but, only I know which the Wilson loop it's a great criterion for confinement. The idea which I know it's a very and basic aplication of Wilson. Can you tell me some example or reference please? thank you!

You want the expectation value of the Wilson Loop, ##\langle W \rangle = \text{Tr}[W e^{iS}]##. Perhaps the best way to work is to switch to a lattice regularization and visualize the Wilson Loop on a 3d lattice and see how it gives information about confinement through its perimeter and area.
 

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