Phase Transitions in Particle Physics -- Results and Perspectives from Lattice Quantum Chromo-Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper reviews lattice quantum chromodynamics studies of phase transitions under extreme conditions, discussing recent results, future directions, and methodological advances including AI techniques for phase identification.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of non-perturbative lattice QCD investigations of phase transitions, highlighting new methods and potential applications in dark matter and electroweak symmetry breaking.

Findings

Insights into hadron properties across phases

Implications for QCD axion and topology

Advances in AI for phase detection

Abstract

Phase transitions in a non-perturbative regime can be studied by ab initio Lattice Field Theory methods. The status and future research directions for LFT investigations of Quantum Chromo-Dynamics under extreme conditions are reviewed, including properties of hadrons and of the hypothesized QCD axion as inferred from QCD topology in different phases. We discuss phase transitions in strong interactions in an extended parameter space, and the possibility of model building for Dark Matter and Electro-Weak Symmetry Breaking. Methodological challenges are addressed as well, including new developments in Artificial Intelligence geared towards the identification of different phases and transitions.