Gauge-invariant field-strength correlators for QCD in a magnetic background

Abstract

We consider the properties of the gauge-invariant two-point correlation functions of the gauge-field strengths for QCD in the presence of a magnetic background field. We discuss the general structure of the correlators in this case and provide the results of an exploratory lattice study for $N_f=2$ QCD discretized with unimproved staggered fermions. Our analysis provides evidence for the emergence of anisotropies in the non-perturbative part of the correlators and for an increase of the gluon condensate as a function of the external magnetic field.

Comments: Published version. Added table with perturbative parameters values. 8 pages, 5 figures