Solving the Complex Phase Problem in a QCD Related Model

TL;DR

This paper presents a flux-based effective theory for QCD at finite chemical potential and temperature, employing a worm algorithm to overcome the complex phase problem and map out the phase diagram.

Contribution

It introduces a flux representation that solves the complex phase problem in a QCD-related model, enabling Monte Carlo simulations of the phase diagram.

Findings

Transition behavior aligns with expectations for QCD

Flux representation effectively addresses the complex phase problem

Phase diagram mapped as a function of temperature, quark mass, and chemical potential

Abstract

We discuss an effective theory for QCD at finite chemical potential and non-zero temperature, where QCD is reduced to its center degrees of freedom. The effective action can be mapped to a flux representation, where the complex phase problem is solved and the theory accessible to Monte Carlo techniques. In this work, we use a generalized Prokof'ev-Svistunov worm algorithm to perform the simulations and determine the phase diagram as a function of temperature, quark mass and chemical potential. It turns out that the transition is qualitatively as expected for QCD.