Finding the critical end point of QCD: lattice and experiment

TL;DR

This paper reviews the search for the QCD critical end point through lattice simulations and experiments, proposing new analysis methods and extrapolations to better locate this point and interpret fluctuation data.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analysis method for experimental data and provides a naive extrapolation of lattice results to the continuum limit with realistic pion mass.

Findings

Lattice results suggest possible location of the critical end point.

A new experimental analysis method helps identify signals approaching the critical point.

Current fluctuation data interpretations support ongoing search efforts.

Abstract

The current status of the search for the critical end point on the lattice and in experiments is discussed. A naive extrapolation is given of lattice results on the location of the critical end point to the continuum limit with the correct pion mass. An interpretation of current results on fluctuations is provided. A new method of analysis of experimental data is discussed, which provides a check on the removal of backgrounds, comparisons with QCD, and signals an approach to the critical end point.