Line operators, vortex statistics, and Higgs versus confinement dynamics

Abstract: We study a $2{+}1$D lattice gauge theory with fundamental representation scalar fields which has both Higgs and confining regimes with a spontaneously-broken $U(1)$ $0$-form symmetry. We show that the Higgs and confining regimes may be distinguished by a natural gauge invariant observable: the phase $\Omega$ of a correlation function of a vortex line operator linking with an electric Wilson line. We employ dualities and strong coupling expansions to analytically explore parameter regimes which were inaccessible in previous continuum calculations, and discuss possible implications for the phase diagram.