Monte Carlo calculations on lattices with large spatial volume show that the SU(3) deconfining phase transition is more weakly first order than previously thought. We have studied the transition for $N_T=4\mathrm{} \mathrm{and} 6$ on lattices of spatial volumes ${16}^3$, ${20}^3$, and ${24}^3$. The ${24}^3$×4 calculations show a sharp first-order phase transition, yielding a latent heat $\frac{\Delta \mathcal{E}}{T^4}$ of 2.54±0.12. The ${24}^3$×6 calculations suffer greater finite-volume smearing, but suggest that $\frac{\Delta \mathcal{E}}{T^4}=2.48\mathrm{}\pm 0.24$. Correlation lengths increase significantly near the transition, and the energy plus pressure of the ordered phase depends strongly on $\beta$.

• Received 3 August 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.61.2058