The Two-Loop Static Potential

Abstract

In quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the binding energy of an infinitely heavy quark--antiquark pair in a color singlet state can be calculated as a function of the distance. We investigate this static potential of QCD perturbatively and calculate the full two-loop coefficient, correcting an earlier result. Beyond this order, the perturbative expansion breaks down.

Comments: 4 pages, LaTeX, 1 figure. Invited talk given at at QCD Euroconference 99, Montpellier, 7-13 July 1999