Partition function for the eigenvalues of the Wilson line
arXiv:hep-ph/9302233 · doi:10.1016/0550-3213(93)90123-7
Abstract
In a gauge theory at nonzero temperature the eigenvalues of the Wilson line form a set of gauge invariant observables. By constructing the corresponding partition function for the phases of these eigenvalues, we prove that the trivial vacuum, where the phases vanish, is a minimum of the free energy.
LaTeX, 13 pages, BNL--GP--1/93