Chiral Transition of SU(4) Gauge Theory with Fermions in Multiple Representations

TL;DR

This study investigates the finite temperature phase transition in SU(4) gauge theory with fermions in multiple representations, finding a single, strongly first-order transition contrary to expectations of scale separation.

Contribution

First simulation of SU(4) gauge theory with multiple fermion representations showing a unified phase transition, supported by Pisarski-Wilczek analysis.

Findings

Single first-order deconfinement and chiral restoration transition

Contradicts scale separation hypothesis

Supports Pisarski-Wilczek stability analysis

Abstract

We report preliminary results on the finite temperature behavior of SU(4) gauge theory with dynamical quarks in both the fundamental and two-index antisymmetric representations. This system is a candidate to present scale separation behavior, where fermions in different representations condense at different temperature or coupling scales. Our simulations, however, reveal a single finite-temperature phase transition at which both representations deconfine and exhibit chiral restoration. It appears to be strongly first order. We compare our results to previous single-representation simulations. We also describe a Pisarski-Wilczek stability analysis, which suggests that the transition should be first order.