Chiral transition in dense, magnetized matter

TL;DR

This paper explores how magnetic fields influence chiral symmetry breaking in dense matter with chemical potential, revealing complex effects that could lead to phase transitions in magnetar interiors at lower densities.

Contribution

It uncovers the nuanced interplay between magnetic fields and chemical potential affecting chiral symmetry, challenging previous assumptions about magnetic catalysis in dense matter.

Findings

Magnetic field effects on chiral symmetry are more complex than magnetic catalysis.

Chiral phase transition may occur at lower densities in magnetar cores.

Magnetic fields can both promote and inhibit chiral symmetry breaking.

Abstract

In the presence of a chemical potential, the effect of a magnetic field on chiral symmetry breaking goes beyond the well-known magnetic catalysis. Due to a subtle interplay with the chemical potential, the magnetic field may work not only in favor but also against the chirally broken phase. At sufficiently large coupling, the magnetic field favors the broken phase only for field strengths beyond any conceivable value in nature. Therefore, in the interior of magnetars, a possible transition from chirally broken hadronic matter to chirally symmetric quark matter might occur at smaller densities than previously thought.