Abstract
In this talk I discuss three recent developments in the theoretical understanding of the phase diagram of the strong interaction. The first topic deals with the comparison of model calculations of the quark-hadron transition at vanishing quark chemical potential with state-of-the-art lattice QCD results. In the second relates to the size of a possible 'quarkyonic phase'. The third deals with the occurence of inhomogeneous chiral phases.
Highlights
Exploring the chiral and deconfining properties of stronginteraction matter at high temperatures and large densities is one of the central themes in nuclear- and astrophysics [1, 2]
The first topic deals with the comparison of model calculations of the quark-hadron transition at vanishing quark chemical potential with state-of-the-art lattice QCD results
High-energy heavy-ion collision experiments at RHIC and the SPS have started to look for experimental evidence of the critical endpoint (CEP) and experiments at future heavy-ion facilities (FAIR and NICA), have been designed to probe the relevant high-density region in the QCD phase diagram
Summary
Exploring the chiral and deconfining properties of stronginteraction matter at high temperatures and large densities is one of the central themes in nuclear- and astrophysics [1, 2]. The general phase structure and, in particular, the possible existence of a (chiral) critical endpoint (CEP) for finite net baryon number density and its consequences for the phase structure of QCD at lower temperatures are much under debate. One currently resorts to models that capture some of the essential features of QCD, such as the basic symmetries and their breaking patterns. Limited in their predictive power, such models, nontheless, give valuable insight into various physical effects governing the phase structure, in particular the existence of a chiral CEP, a confined but chirally restored phase at low temperatures (’quarkyonic matter’) and/or the occurence of inhomogeneous chiral phases
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
