Deconfinement transition in three-dimensional compact U(1) gauge theories coupled to matter fields.
It is shown that permanent confinement in three-dimensional compact U(1) gauge theory can be destroyed by matter fields in a deconfinement transition. This follows from a nontrivial infrared fixed point caused by matter, and an anomalous scaling dimension of the gauge field. This leads to a logarithmic interaction between the defects of the gauge fields, which form a gas of magnetic monopoles. For logarithmic interactions, the original electric charges are unconfined. The confined phase, which is permanent in the absence of matter fields, is reached at a critical electric charge, where the interaction between magnetic charges is screened by a pair-unbinding in a Kosterlitz-Thouless-like phase transition.
Kleinert
Hagen
H
Institut für Theoretische Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany. kleinert@physik.fu-berlin.de
Nogueira
Flavio S
FS
Sudbø
Asle
A