Dual vortices and gauge choice in Abelian projected SU(2) lattice gauge theory

We explore vortex formation for Abelian projected SU(2) in the Polyakov gauge and compare the results with those calculated in the maximal Abelian gauge. In both gauges, a nonzero vacuum expectation value of a monopole field operator signals confinement. We find vortices in the Polyakov projection, confirming the connection between the dual superconductor order parameter and the existence of vortices. However, we find that the Polyakov Abelian projection is problematic, leaving the maximal Abelian projection as the best candidate to define an effective theory of confinement in this scenario. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society