Dynamics of the $O(4)$ critical point in QCD: critical pions and diffusion in Model G

TL;DR

This paper investigates the dynamic critical behavior of the $O(4)$ universality class in QCD, focusing on pion dynamics and diffusion, confirming theoretical predictions and providing universal amplitude ratios.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed finite momentum analysis of the $O(4)$ critical point in QCD, confirming dynamical scaling and extracting universal amplitude ratios for Model G.

Findings

Pion dispersion curve matches static universality predictions.

Pion damping rate and velocity follow the dynamical exponent $=3/2$.

Diffusion coefficient exhibits clear dynamical scaling and universal ratios.

Abstract

We present a detailed study of the finite momentum dynamics of the $O(4)$ critical point of QCD, which lies in the dynamic universality class of Model G. The critical scaling of the model is analyzed in multiple dynamical channels. For instance, the finite momentum analysis allows us to precisely extract the pion dispersion curve below the critical point. The pion velocity is in striking agreement with the predictions relation and static universality. The pion damping rate and velocity are both consistent with the dynamical critical exponent $\zeta = 3/2$ of Model G. Similarly, although the critical amplitude for the diffusion coefficient of the conserved $O(4)$ charges is small, it is clearly visible both in the restored phase and with finite explicit symmetry breaking, and its dynamical scaling is again consistent with $\zeta=3/2$. We determine a new set of universal dynamical critical amplitude ratios relating the diffusion coefficient to a suitably defined order parameter relaxation time. We also show that in a finite volume simulation, the chiral condensate diffuses on the coset manifold in a manner consistent with dynamical scaling, and with a diffusion coefficient that is determined by the transport coefficients of hydrodynamic pions. Finally, the amplitude ratios (together with other non-universal amplitudes also reported here) compile all relevant information for further studies of Model G both in and out of equilibrium.