Abstract
We consider the gauge potential and argue that the minimum value of the volume integral of (in Euclidean space) may have physical meaning, particularly in connection with the existence of topological structures. A lattice simulation comparing compact and noncompact “photodynamics” shows a jump in this quantity at the phase transition, supporting this idea.
- Received 9 October 2000
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.2220
©2001 American Physical Society