Dual Polyakov loop model at finite density: phase diagram and screening masses

TL;DR

This paper introduces a sign-problem-free dual representation of a 3D Polyakov loop model at finite density, enabling numerical studies of phase transitions, local observables, and screening masses in SU(3) gauge theory.

Contribution

It develops a dual formulation of the Polyakov loop model that facilitates Monte Carlo simulations at finite density, revealing phase transition lines and screening masses.

Findings

Identified the line of second order phase transitions.

Compared local observables with mean-field predictions.

Extracted screening masses consistent with large-N predictions.

Abstract

We consider a dual representation of an effective three-dimensional Polyakov loop model for the SU(3) theory at nonzero real chemical potential. This representation is free of the sign problem and can be used for numeric Monte-Carlo simulations. These simulations allow us to locate the line of second order phase transitions, that separates the region of first order phase transition from the crossover one. The behavior of local observables in different phases of the model is studied numerically and compared with predictions of the mean-field analysis. Our dual formulation allows us to study also Polyakov loop correlation functions. From these results, we extract the screening masses and compare them with large-N predictions.