Phase transition patterns for coupled complex scalar fields at finite temperature and density

TL;DR

This paper investigates the phase transition behaviors of two coupled complex scalar fields at finite temperature and density, revealing phenomena like symmetry persistence and inverse symmetry breaking, with implications for quantum chromodynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a nonperturbative optimized perturbation theory approach to analyze coupled scalar fields, contrasting it with perturbation theory and applying it to kaon condensation models.

Findings

Identification of symmetry persistence at high temperatures

Observation of inverse symmetry breaking phenomena

Application to kaon condensation in high-density QCD

Abstract

The phase transition patterns displayed by a model of two coupled complex scalar fields are studied at finite temperature and chemical potential. Possible phenomena like symmetry persistence and inverse symmetry breaking at high temperatures are analyzed. The effect of finite density is also considered and studied in combination with the thermal effects. The nonperturbative optimized perturbation theory method is considered and the results contrasted with perturbation theory. Applications of the results obtained are considered in the context of an effective model for condensation of kaons at high densities, which is of importance in the understanding of the color-flavor locked phase of quantum chromodynamics.