Gauge Invariant SO(3) - Z2 Monopoles as Possible Source of Confinement in SU(2) Lattice Gauge Theory

A gauge invariant procedure for extracting combined SO(3)-Z2 monopoles in positive-plaquette SU(2) lattice gauge theory is shown. When these monopoles are eliminated through a constraint, the theory deconfines for all $\beta$ on $12^4$ and $20^4$ lattices even in the strong coupling limit, despite a rather strong average plaquette of around 0.64. This corresponds to an effective Wilson $\beta$ of 2.45, at which Wilson-action lattices would be far into the confining region. This suggests that Wilson-action confinement may be a strong-coupling lattice artifact; the continuum limit may not confine.