Finite-size effects and the search for the critical endpoint in heavy ion collisions

TL;DR

This paper explores how finite-size effects in heavy-ion collisions influence signals of the QCD critical endpoint and assesses finite-size scaling as a tool for experimental detection.

Contribution

It provides quantitative analysis of finite-size modifications to the chiral phase diagram and evaluates the effectiveness of finite-size scaling in experiments.

Findings

Finite-size effects significantly alter the chiral phase diagram.

Finite-size scaling can be a useful tool in experimental searches.

Results are relevant for current heavy-ion collision experiments.

Abstract

We discuss how the finiteness of the system created in a heavy-ion collision affects possible signatures of the QCD critical endpoint. We show sizable results for the modifications of the chiral phase diagram at volume scales typically encountered in current heavy-ion collisions and address the applicability of finite-size scaling as a tool in the experimental search for the critical endpoint.