Extensions and further applications of the nonlocal Polyakov--Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model

TL;DR

This paper enhances the nonlocal PNJL model by incorporating momentum-dependent wave-function renormalization, analyzing its thermodynamics and phases for two- and three-flavor cases, and comparing results with lattice-QCD data.

Contribution

It introduces a refined nonlocal PNJL model with wave-function renormalization and axial anomaly effects, advancing the modeling of QCD thermodynamics.

Findings

Improved agreement with lattice-QCD results.

Detailed phase structure analysis.

Inclusion of axial U(1) anomaly effects.

Abstract

The nonlocal Polyakov-loop-extended Nambu--Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) model is further improved by including momentum-dependent wave-function renormalization in the quark quasiparticle propagator. Both two- and three-flavor versions of this improved PNJL model are discussed, the latter with inclusion of the (nonlocal) 't Hooft-Kobayashi-Maskawa determinant interaction in order to account for the axial U(1) anomaly. Thermodynamics and phases are investigated and compared with recent lattice-QCD results.