Surviving extrema for the action on the twisted \(\text{SU}(\infty)\) one point lattice (Q796876)

By matching Schwinger-Dyson equations, \textit{T. Eguchi} and \textit{H. Kawai} [Phys. Rev. Lett. 48, No. 16, 1063--1066 (1982), \url{http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.48.1063}] (EK) showed that \(d\)-dimensional lattice \(U(N)\) gauge theory, for strong coupling and \(N\to \infty\), becomes equivalent to a one-site model with periodic boundary conditions. This is a tremendous simplification in the large-\(N\) gauge theory. From another point of view, where gauge theories with finite \(N\) are the objects of interest, one is trading the infinite space-time lattice for a huge gauge group, and the matrix analysis becomes more difficult. Still, a new avenue of attack is provided by the EK result, which depends on a global \((U(1))^ d\) symmetry of the one-site model being realized. For weak coupling this symmetry is, however, spontaneously broken. Path integrals are dominated by fluctuations about elements of the center (these are obvious vacuum configurations) of the gauge group \(G\). For \(G=\text{SU}(N)\) the center is \(Z(N)\), thus breaking the symmetry. To rectify this, the twisted EK model (TEK) was devised, where twisted boundary conditions eliminate the \(Z(N)\) vacuum configurations. Evidence has accumulated that the \((U(1))^ d\) symmetry remains intact in the new model even for weak coupling, in which case it may be a proper \(N\to \infty\) limit of lattice \(\text{SU}(N)\). Now one has the problem of finding vacuum configurations and stable excitations of the TEK model. In the present paper, a vacuum solution-generating procedure is given, more general than previous studies, based on a matrix theorem of Frobenius. This is done for dimension \(d=4\) (other dimensions are briefly considered as well). The twisted vacuum space is completely categorized. A type of excitation, called a fluxon, is studied in detail and shown to be stable and to survive the \(N\to \infty\) limit. (These nonperturbative configurations are arguable related to confinement.) Other solutions of the equations of motion are also considered briefly. A comparison of the internal energies of some explicitly-constructed configurations with Monte Carlo data at weak coupling is included.