The heavy quark potential in SU(2) gauge theory at high temperature

Abstract

We present a detailed investigation of the heavy quark potential in the deconfined phase of pure SU(2) gauge theory at intermediate temperatures. The analysis is based on close comparison of numerical and analytical methods. The extent of the short-distance range, where because of asymptotic freedom perturbation theory gives a good description of the interaction, is determined. Slightly beyond the perturbative horizon the potential becomes that of screened colour-averaged charges. The screening length determined in that range appears to be surprisingly close to the value that is derived from a partial resummation of the continuum perturbation series.