Determination of QCD phase diagram from the imaginary chemical potential region

TL;DR

This paper assesses the PNJL model's accuracy against lattice data at imaginary chemical potential and uses it to predict the QCD phase diagram, confirming the persistence of the critical endpoint.

Contribution

It demonstrates the PNJL model's reliability in reproducing lattice data and extends its use to predict the QCD phase diagram at real chemical potential.

Findings

PNJL model matches lattice data on pseudocritical temperatures.

The critical endpoint remains even with vector interactions.

Model successfully predicts the QCD phase diagram.

Abstract

We test the reliability of the the Polyakov-loop extended Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) model, comparing the model result with the lattice data at nonzero imaginary chemical potential. The PNJL model with the vector-type four-quark and scalar-type eight-quark interactions reproduces the lattice data on the pseudocritical temperatures of the deconfinement and chiral phase transitions. The QCD phase diagram in the real chemical potential region is predicted by the PNJL model. The critical endpoint survives, even if the vector-type four-quark interaction is taken into account.