Improved variational analysis of deconfinement in \(\text{SU}(N)\) gauge theory (Q1811477)

A variational analysis of the pure \(\text{SU}(N)\) gauge theory in \(3+1\) dimensions at finite temperature is performed, extending the work of \textit{I. I. Kogan, A. Kovner} and \textit{J. G. Milhano} [J. High Energy Phys. 0212, 017 (2002), see also hep-ph/0208053]. A deconfining phase transition is found at a temperature of 470 MeV, somewhat higher than lattice estimates [\textit{M. Teper}, Glueball masses and other physical properties of \(\text{SU}(N)\) gauge theories in \(D=3+1\): a review of lattice results for theorists, hep-th/9812187]. This value is however rather sensitive, for reasons which are discussed. A more robust quantity is the ratio of the transition temperature to the lightest glueball mass in the model. This is 0.18, in agreement with the lattice estimate for SU(3) to two significant figures. Ways of further improving the calculation are discussed.