Dual Polyakov loop model at finite density: phase diagram and screening masses

Abstract

We consider a dual representation of an effective three-dimensional Polyakov loop model for the SU(3) theory at nonzero real chemical potential. This representation is free of the sign problem and can be used for numeric Monte-Carlo simulations. These simulations allow us to locate the line of second order phase transitions, that separates the region of first order phase transition from the crossover one. The behavior of local observables in different phases of the model is studied numerically and compared with predictions of the mean-field analysis. Our dual formulation allows us to study also Polyakov loop correlation functions. From these results, we extract the screening masses and compare them with large-N predictions.