# $Z_3$ meta-stable states in PNJL model

## TL;DR

This paper investigates Z3 meta-stable states in the PNJL model, analyzing their existence above a certain temperature, their decay via bubble nucleation, and potential implications for heavy-ion collisions.

## Contribution

It provides a numerical analysis of the nucleation rates of Z3 meta-stable states in the PNJL model and discusses their decay mechanisms in high-temperature conditions.

## Key findings

- Meta-stable states exist above T_m ~ 194 MeV.
- Decay occurs via bubble nucleation, with computed nucleation rates.
- Decay in heavy-ion collisions likely via spinodal decomposition.

## Abstract

We study the Z 3 meta-stable states in the Polyakov loop Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (PNJL) model. These states exist for temperatures above T m ~ 194 MeV and can decay via bubble nucleation. We numerically solve the bounce equation to compute the nucleation rate. We speculate that, in the context of heavy-ion collisions, the likely scenario for the decay of the meta-stable states is via spinodal decomposition.