Wilson-loop symmetry breaking is considered on a space-time of the form ${\mathrm{M}}_4$⊗K, where ${\mathrm{M}}_4$ is a four-dimensional space-time and K is an internal space with nontrivial and finite fundamental group. We show in a simple model that the different vacua obtained by breaking a non-Abelian gauge group by Wilson loops are separated in the space of gauge potentials by a finite-energy barrier. We then construct an interpolating gauge configuration between these vacua and show it to have minimum energy. Finally some implications of this construction are discussed.

• Received 13 July 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.59.1069