New Phase Transitions in Chern-Simons Matter Theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates phase transitions in Chern-Simons matter theory on a finite-temperature manifold using random matrix theory, revealing new second- and third-order phase transitions and a connection to Tracy-Widom distribution.

Contribution

It provides an exact finite and asymptotic expression for the partition function and uncovers novel phase transitions in Chern-Simons matter theory with a Gross-Witten-Wadia potential.

Findings

Exact partition function expressions for finite and asymptotic regimes.

Discovery of new second- and third-order phase transitions.

Identification of a third-order domain wall separating different regimes.

Abstract

Applying the machinery of random matrix theory and Toeplitz determinants we study the level $k$, $U(N)$ Chern-Simons theory coupled with fundamental matter on $S^2\times S^1$ at finite temperature $T$. This theory admits a discrete matrix integral representation, i.e. a unitary discrete matrix model of two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory. In this study, the effective partition function and phase structure of the Chern-Simons matter theory, in a special case with an effective potential namely the Gross-Witten-Wadia potential, are investigated. We obtain an exact expression for the partition function of the Chern-Simons matter theory as a function of $k,N,T,$ for finite values and in the asymptotic regime. In the Gross-Witten-Wadia case, we show that ratio of the Chern-Simons matter partition function and the continuous two-dimensional Yang-Mills partition function, in the asymptotic regime, is the Tracy-Widom distribution. Consequently, using the explicit results for free energy of the theory, new second-order and third-order phase transitions are observed. Depending on the phase, in the asymptotic regime, Chern-Simons matter theory is represented either by a continuous or discrete two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory, separated by a third-order domain wall.