Strong coupling expansions for the string tension at finite temperature

Abstract

The SU(2) euclidean lattice gauge theory is formulated at finite temperature. Previous hamiltonian derivations of the deconfining phase transition are reproduced in the euclidean formalism. Corrections to infinite coupling are calculable, and expansions for the string tension are obtained. It is shown that the string tension is always in a rough phase for any non-zero temperature. The zero in the string tension is therefore trustworthy in the strong coupling regime. Using these results and comparing them with Monte Carlo simulations yields an estimate for the critical temperature of about 230 MeV. © 1983.