SELF-DUALITY AND OBLIQUE CONFINEMENT IN PLANAR GAUGE-THEORIES

We investigate the non-perturbative structure of two planar Z(p) x Z(p ) lattice gauge models and discuss their relevance to two-dimensional condensed matter systems and Josephson junction arrays. Both models in volve two compact U(1) gauge fields with Chern-Simons interactions, wh ich break the symmetry down to Z(p) x Z(p). By identifying the relevan t topological excitations (instantons) and their interactions we deter mine the phase structure of the models. Our results match observed qua ntum phase transitions in Josephson junction arrays and suggest also t he possibility of oblique confining ground states corresponding to qua ntum Hall regimes for either charges or vortices.