Fractality in momentum space: a signal of criticality in nuclear collisions

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that critical finite systems exhibit fractal momentum space structures with specific power-law correlations, serving as potential signals of critical points in high-energy nuclear collisions based on QCD laws.

Contribution

It introduces a novel connection between critical phenomena and fractal structures in momentum space, linking finite-size effects to the isotherm critical exponent delta.

Findings

Finite critical systems develop fractal momentum space structures.

Power-law correlations in transverse momentum serve as critical point signatures.

The fractal dimension relates to the isotherm critical exponent delta.

Abstract

We show that critical systems of finite size develop a fractal structure in momentum space with anomalous dimension given in terms of the isotherm critical exponent delta of the corresponding infinite system. The associated power laws of transverse momentum correlations, in high-energy nuclear collisions, provide us with a signature of a critical point in strongly interacting matter according to the laws of QCD.