The interquark potential: SU(2) colour gauge theory with fermions

Including dynamical fermions in the Monte Carlo simulation of the SU(2) gauge theory, the potential between static quarks is investigated on a 16×8³ lattice. The Coulomb part of the force is stronger as compared with the pure gauge field theory. At large distances indications are found for a deviation from the linear rise of the potential, expected from a break-up of the flux tube between the heavy quarks through spontaneous creation of light quark pairs.