Three-dimensional lattice SU(Nc) gauge theories with multiflavor scalar fields in the adjoint representation

We consider three-dimensional lattice SU(Nc) gauge theories with multiflavor (Nf>1) scalar fields in theadjoint representation. We investigate their phase diagram, identify the different Higgs phases with their gauge-symmetry pattern, and determine the nature of the transition lines. In particular, we study the role played bythe quartic scalar potential and by the gauge-group representation in determining the Higgs phases and theglobal and gauge-symmetry-breaking patterns characterizing the different transitions. The general argumentsare confirmed by numerical analyses of Monte Carlo results for two representative models that are expected tohave qualitatively different phase diagrams and Higgs phases. We consider the model with Nc=3, Nf=2 and with Nc=2, Nf=4. This second case is interesting phenomenologically to describe some features of cuprate superconductors.