SU(N) quantum Yang-Mills theory in two dimensions: A complete solution

A closed expression of the Euclidean Wilson-loop functionals is derived for pure Yang-Mills continuum theories with gauge groups SU(N) and U(1) and spacetime topologies R-1 x R-1 and R-1 x S-1. (For the U(1) theory, we also consider the S-1 x S-1 topology.) The treatment is rigorous, manifestly gauge invariant, manifestly invariant under area preserving diffeomorphisms and handles all (piecewise analytic) loops in one stroke. Equivalence between the resulting Euclidean theory and and the Hamiltonian framework is then established. Finally, an extension of the Osterwalder-Schrader axioms for gauge theories is proposed, These axioms are satisfied in the present model. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.