Equilibration of the Quark-Gluon Plasma at finite net-baryon density in QCD kinetic theory

TL;DR

This paper investigates the out-of-equilibrium behavior of the Quark-Gluon Plasma at various baryon densities using QCD kinetic theory, focusing on isotropization and implications for hydrodynamic modeling in heavy-ion collisions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the isotropization process at finite baryon density within QCD kinetic theory, including phenomenological implications for different collision energies.

Findings

Quantifies the time and temperature scales for isotropization.

Analyzes the impact of chemical composition on QGP evolution.

Discusses the role of pre-equilibrium phase in heavy-ion collisions.

Abstract

We explore the out-of-equilibrium dynamics of the Quark-Gluon Plasma at zero and finite net-baryon density based on an effective kinetic theory of Quantum Chromo Dynamics (QCD). By investigating the isotropization of the longitudinal pressure, we determine the relevant time and temperature scales for the onset of viscous hydrodynamics, and quantify the dependence on the chemical composition of the QGP. By extrapolating our results to realistic coupling strength, we discuss phenomenological consequences regarding the role of the pre-equilibrium phase at different collision energies.