Coupling the Deconfining and Chiral Transitions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the phase structure of finite temperature QCD by analyzing the interplay between deconfining and chiral transitions using Polyakov loop and chiral condensate as order parameters, revealing multiple transition behaviors.

Contribution

It introduces a combined Nambu-Jona-Lasinio and Polyakov loop model to analytically study the phase transitions in finite temperature QCD.

Findings

Identifies three possible phase transition behaviors: first-order, second-order, and coexistence region.

Provides a unified framework applicable to both lattice and continuum approaches.

Enhances understanding of the relationship between deconfinement and chiral symmetry restoration.

Abstract

The Polyakov loop and the chiral condensate are used as order parameters to explore analytically the possible phase structure of finite temperature QCD. Nambu-Jona-Lasinio models in a background temporal gauge field are combined with a Polyakov loop potential in a form suitable for both the lattice and the continuum. Three possible behaviors are found: a first-order transition, a second-order transition, and a region with both transitions.