POLYAKOV LOOP DYNAMICS IN THE CENTER SYMMETRICAL PHASE

A study of the center symmetric phase of SU(2) Yang-Mills theory is pr esented. Realization of the center symmetry is shown to result from no n-perturbative gauge fixing. Dictated by the center symmetry, this pha se exhibits already at the perturbative level confinement-like propert ies. The analysis is performed by investigating the dynamics of the Po lyakov loops. The ultralocality of these degrees of freedom implies si gnificant changes in the vacuum structure of the theory. General prope rties of the confined phase and of the transition to the deconfined ph ase are discussed. Perturbation theory built upon the vacuum of ultral ocal Polyakov loops is presented and used to calculate, via the Polyak ov loop correlator. the static quark antiquark; potential. (C) 1998 Ac ademic Press.