On the U(2) Lattice Gauge Theory

We study the U(2) lattice gauge theory in the pure gauge sector using the simplest action, with determinant and fundamental terms, having the naive continuum limit of SU(2)$times$U(1). We determine part of the phase diagram of the model and find a first-order critical line which goes through the U(1) critical point. We show how to deduce both the order parameter of the first-order transition and the U(2) renormalization group flow from the lattice potential in the determinant and fundamental representations. We give evidence that a Monte-Carlo simulation of the model is indeed consistent with the symmetric SU(2)$times$U(1) continuum limit in the weak coupling pertubative regime.