Center dominance, Casimir scaling, and confinement in lattice gauge theory

Abstract

We present numerical evidence that supports the theory of quark confinement based on center vortex condensation. We introduce a special gauge ("maximal center gauge") and center projection, suitable for identification of center vortices. Main focus is then put on the connection of vortices in center projection to "confiners" in full, unprojected gauge-field configurations. Topics briefly discussed include: the relation between vortices and monopoles, first results for SU(3), and the problem of Casimir scaling.

Based on talks presented by S. Olejnik at the 31st Int. Symp. on the Theory of Elem. Particles, Buckow, Germany, Sep. 2-6, 1997, and at the 7th Workshop on Lattice Field Theory, Vienna, Austria, Sep. 18-20, 1997. 6 pages including 8 PS figures, LaTeX2e. Uses cite.sty and graphicx