A survey of large N continuum phase transitions
Abstract
Description
The main focus of this talk is the physics of large N QCD on a continuum torus. A cascade of phase transitions associated with the breaking of U(1) symmetries will be discussed. The continuum Wilson loop as a function of its area will be discussed along with its universality properties and the associated double scaling limit. Some recent progress in twisted Eguchi-Kawai is presented. Gauge field topology and $θ$ vacuua are also discussed in the context of large N gauge theories. Phase transitions in 2D large N principal chiral models are compared with similar transitions in large $N$ gauge theories. Finally, connections to some topics in string theory and gravity are briefly described.
20 pages, 10 figures, plenary talk in lattice 2007
20 pages, 10 figures, plenary talk in lattice 2007