The force-force-correlator in hot QCD perturbatively and from the lattice

TL;DR

This paper investigates the force-force correlator in hot QCD using perturbative methods and lattice simulations, providing a detailed matching between effective theory and non-perturbative results to improve understanding of jet propagation in quark-gluon plasma.

Contribution

It presents a next-to-leading order calculation of a non-local operator in EQCD and demonstrates a successful perturbative-lattice matching, advancing the study of medium modifications in QCD.

Findings

Good agreement between perturbative and lattice results in the relevant temperature regime.

Establishes a foundation for matching EQCD to full QCD.

Improves understanding of jet quenching and transport in quark-gluon plasma.

Abstract

High-energy particles traversing a medium experience modified dispersion. In the Quark-Gluon Plasma, such dispersion affects jet propagation and transport properties and should be determined better. Above $\sim 2T_c$ we expect strongly coupled infrared behavior and perturbative ultraviolet behavior, allowing a perturbative matching to an effective theory called EQCD, which can be studied non-perturbatively. We study the relevant non-local operator in EQCD at next-to-leading order which allows for a complete EQCD-to-lattice match and prepares the groundwork for a matching between EQCD and full QCD. Our results in EQCD show remarkable agreement between perturbation theory and the lattice in the expected regime.