The possible infrared behavior of the gluon propagator is studied analytically, using the Schwinger-Dyson equations, in both the axial and the Landau gauge. The possibility of a gluon propagator less singular than 1/${\mathit{k}}^2$ when ${\mathit{k}}^2$→0 is investigated and found to be inconsistent, despite claims to the contrary, whereas an infrared enhanced one is consistent. The implications for confinement are discussed.

• Received 15 June 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.52.5220