TOWARDS THE DECONFINEMENT PHASE-TRANSITION IN HOT GAUGE-THEORIES

The phase structure of hot gauge theories with dynamical matter fields is reexamined in the canonical ensemble with respect to triality. We discuss properties of chromoelectric and chromomagnetic sectors of the theory and show whereas electric charges carrying a unit of Z(N-c) ch arge are screened at high temperatures via dynamical matter loops, thi s is not the case for the Z(N-c) magnetic flux. An order parameter is constructed to probe the realization of local Z(N-c) symmetry in the m agnetic sector. We argue this order parameter may be used to detect th e deconfinement phase transition which is defined in terms of the scre ening mechanism.