Magnetized QCD phase diagram: net-baryon susceptibilities

TL;DR

This study uses a theoretical model to explore how magnetic fields influence the phase transitions of quark matter, revealing multiple first-order transitions and critical points, especially affecting strange quarks.

Contribution

It introduces the effects of magnetic fields on the QCD phase diagram using the Polyakov extended Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model, highlighting complex phase transition behavior.

Findings

Magnetic fields convert the strange quark transition from crossover to first-order.

Multiple first-order phase transitions and critical end points are identified.

Magnetic fields significantly alter the phase structure of quark matter.

Abstract

Employing the Polyakov extended Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model, we determine the net-baryon number fluctuations of magnetized three-flavor quark matter. We show that the magnetic field changes the nature of the strange quark transition from crossover to first-order at low temperatures. In fact, the strange quark undergoes multiple first-order phase transitions and several critical end points emerge in the phase diagram.