From screening to confinement in a Higgs-like model

We investigate a recently proposed Higgs-like model (arXiv:0811.4423 [hep-th]), in the framework of a gauge-invariant but path-dependent variables formalism. We compute the static potential between test charges in a condensate of scalars and fermions. In the case of charged massive scalar we recover the screening potential. On the other hand, in the Higgs case, with a "tachyonic" mass term and a quartic potential in the Lagrangian, unexpected features are found. It is observed that the interaction energy is the sum of an effective-Yukawa and a linear potential, leading to the confinement of static charges.Comment: 14 pages, no figures. Inserted 2 new references and comments about the short-distance physical cut-off. Final version accepted for publication in PL

Duality and confinement in D=3 models driven by condensation of topological defects

We study the interplay of duality and confinement in certain three-dimensional models induced by the condensation of topological defects. To this end we check for the confinement phenomenon, in both sides of the duality, using the static quantum potential within the framework of the gauge-invariant but path-dependent variables formalism. Our calculations show that the interaction energy contains a linear term leading to the confinement of static probe charges.Comment: 13 pages, RevTex; correction for a mispelled author, final version to be published in Phys. Lett.

Some Considerations About Podolsky-Axionic Electrodynamics

For a Podolsky-axionic electrodynamics, we compute the interaction potential within the structure of the gauge-invariant but path-dependent variables formalism. The result is equivalent to that of axionic electrodynamics from a new noncommutative approach, up to first order in $\theta$.Comment: 11 page

Brane Condensation and Confinement

We study the static quantum potential for a theory of anti-symmetric tensor fields that results from the condensation of topological defects, within the framework of the gauge-invariant but path-dependent variables formalism. Our calculations show that the interaction energy is the sum of a Yukawa and a linear potentials, leading to the confinement of static probe charges.Comment: Latex, 11 pages; to appear in proceedings of the Fourth International Winter Conference on Mathematical Methods in Physics, 09-13 August 2004, Rio de Janeiro, Brasi

The Abelian Higgs model and a minimal length in an un-particle scenario

We consider both the Abelian Higgs model and the impact of a minimal length in the un-particle sector. It is shown that even if the Higgs field takes a non-vanishing v.e.v., gauge interaction keeps its long range character leading to an effective gauge symmetry restoration. The effect of a quantum gravity induced minimal length on a physical observable is then estimated by using a physically-based alternative to the usual Wilson loop approach. Interestingly, we obtain an ultraviolet finite interaction energy described by a confluent hyper-geometric function, which shows a remarkable richness of behavior.Comment: 6 pages. Tp appear in EP