Gauge invariant variables and the Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons theory

A Hamiltonian analysis of Yang-Mills (YM) theory in (2+1) dimensions with a level $k$ Chern-Simons term is carried out using a gauge invariant matrix parametrization of the potentials. The gauge boson states are constructed and the contribution of the dynamical mass gap to the gauge boson mass is obtained. Long distance properties of vacuum expectation values are related to a Euclidean two-dimensional YM theory coupled to $k$ flavors of Dirac fermions in the fundamental representation. We also discuss the expectation value of the Wilson loop operator and give a comparison with previous results.