With the variational-cumulant expansion (VCE), the expectation
L![](/images/glyphs/BEA.GIF)
of the Polyakov line of the finite-temperature
U(1) lattice gauge model in (3 + 1)-dimensions (
Nτ = 1) is expanded to the 4th order. Because the variational parameter is determined by the accumulation point scheme, the expansion rapidly converges and accurate critical behaviour and the critical exponent β are easily obtained.