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This research investigates discrete non-Abelian lattice gauge theories using dihedral groups as simplified models to study confinement and the formation of gluelumps, phenomena directly relevant to quantum chromodynamics. The findings demonstrate that these minimal theoretical setups can replicate complex QCD behaviors like string breaking via electric field fluctuations, offering a viable testing ground for near-term quantum devices. By isolating the connection between group centers and charge screening, the work provides a clearer pathway for simulating fundamental particle physics on emerging quantum hardware.
When the center matters: color screening and gluelumps in dihedral lattice gauge theories
arXiv:2512.00152v2 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Confinement is one of the hallmarks of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), but its first-principles characterization remains elusive. We show that discrete non-Abelian lattice gauge theories (LGTs) with dihedral groups $D_N$ provide a minimal setup for characterizing the connection between confinement and the group center. When the latter is trivial (odd $N$), gluon clouds screen static charges, forming composite objects known as gluelumps. These are stable excitations of the theory, in contrast to their QCD analog. As a consequence, string breaking can occur through fluctuations of the electric field only, without pair nucleation from the vacuum. Our results showcase how the rich physics typically associated with QCD emerges in much simpler discrete non-Abelian LGTs, making them ideal settings to test this phenomenology both in numerical calculations and in near-term quantum devices.
Abstract:Confinement is one of the hallmarks of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), but its first-principles characterization remains elusive. We show that discrete non-Abelian lattice gauge theories (LGTs) with dihedral groups $D_N$ provide a minimal setup for characterizing the connection between confinement and the group center. When the latter is trivial (odd $N$), gluon clouds screen static charges, forming composite objects known as gluelumps. These are stable excitations of the theory, in contrast to their QCD analog. As a consequence, string breaking can occur through fluctuations of the electric field only, without pair nucleation from the vacuum. Our results showcase how the rich physics typically associated with QCD emerges in much simpler discrete non-Abelian LGTs, making them ideal settings to test this phenomenology both in numerical calculations and in near-term quantum devices.
arXiv:2512.00152 [hep-lat]
(or arXiv:2512.00152v2 [hep-lat] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2512.00152 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite
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Full text under the publisher's open licence · 218 words