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Universal Aspects of Deconfinement in 2+1 Dimensions

The 2+1 dimensional pure SU(N) gauge theories with N <= 4 are candidates for applying the powerful tools of scaling and universality to their deconfinement transitions at finite temperature. The corresponding 2 dimensional q-state Potts models with q <= 4 have 2nd order transitions, and we can exploit many exact results to obtain accurate critical couplings, transition temperatures, critical exponents, and the leading behavior of the continuum string tension near the phase transition on one side, together with its dual on the other. Thereby, the self-duality of the 2d spin models is reflected in a duality between spacelike vortices and confining electric fluxes. We also discuss the relevance of center symmetry and the corresponding vortices for confinement in full QCD when the electromagnetic interactions of fractionally charged quarks are included.