The deconfining phase transition for SU(N) theories in 2+1 dimensions

Abstract

The critical temperatures for the 2+1 dimensional $SU(N_c)$ gauge theories are calculated, for $N_c=4,5,6$. The transition is shown to be first order for $N_c\ge 5$. The critical temperature and latent heat are extrapolated to $N_c=\infty$.

6 pages, 5 figures, talk presented at Lattice 2005 (Non-zero temperature and density), Dublin, July 25-30, 2005