Three dimensional four-fermion models - A Monte Carlo study

We present results from numerical simulations of three different 3d four-fermion models that exhibit Z_2, U(1), and SU(2) x SU(2) chiral symmetries, respectively. We performed the simulations by using the hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm. We employed finite size scaling methods on lattices ranging from 8^3 to 40^3 to study the properties of the second order chiral phase transition in each model. The corresponding critical coupling defines an ultraviolet fixed point of the renormalization group. In our high precision simulations, we detected next-to-leading order corrections for various critical exponents and we found them to be in good agreement with existing analytical large-N_f calculations.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figures, and 2 table

Chiral symmetry restoration in the three-dimensional four-fermion model at non-zero temperature and density

The three-dimensional four-fermion model with a Z_2 chiral symmetry and N=4 fermion species in the system is investigated numerically at non-zero temparature and chemical potential. The phase diagram in the (chemical potential, temperature) plane is mapped out quantitatively. A detailed finite size scaling analysis shows that the zero temperature and non-zero chemical potential chiral phase transition is first order, whereas the non-zero temperature and non-zero chemical potential transition remains second order down to very low temperatures. Quantitative results for the location of the end of the first order line are given. The simulations at T=0 provided no evidence for a nuclear liquid-gas transition.Comment: 23 pages, 15 figure

Non-Compact QED_3 with N_f=1 and N_f=4

We present numerical results for non-compact three-dimensional QED for numbers of flavors N_f=1 and N_f=4.In particular, we address the issue of whether chiral symmetry is spontaneously broken in the continuum limit, and obtain a positive answer for N_f=1, with a dimensionless condensate estimated to be beta^2 ~= O(10^-3), implying that the critical number of flavors N_fc>1. We also compare the N_f=1 and N_f=4 models by analysing the transition from strong to weak coupling behaviour using an equation of state based on a continuous phase transition. While some qualitative differences emerge, it appears difficult to determine whether N_f=4 lies above or below N_fc.Comment: 19 pages, 10 figure

Phase diagram of the three-dimensional NJL model

With the exception of confinement the three-dimensional Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL_3) model incorporates many of the essential properties of QCD. We discuss the critical properties of the model at nonzero temperature T and/or nonzero chemical potential $\mu$. We show that the universality class of the thermal transition is that of the d=2 classical spin model with the same symmetry. We provide evidence for the existence of a tricritical point in the ($\mu$,temperature) plane. We also discuss numerical results by Hands et al. which showed that the system is critical for $\mu>\mu_c$ and the diquark condensate is zero.Comment: 3 pages, To appear in the proceedings of Conference on Quarks and Nuclear Physics (QNP 2002), Julich, Germany, 9-14 Jun 200

Zero Lattice Sound

We study the N_f-flavor Gross-Neveu model in 2+1 dimensions with a baryon chemical potential mu, using both analytical and numerical methods. In particular, we study the self-consistent Boltzmann equation in the Fermi liquid framework using the quasiparticle interaction calculated to O(1/N_f), and find solutions for zero sound propagation for almost all mu > mu_c, the critical chemical potential for chiral symmetry restoration. Next we present results of a numerical lattice simulation, examining temporal correlation functions of mesons defined using a point-split interpolating operator, and finding evidence for phonon-like behaviour characterised by a linear dispersion relation in the long wavelength limit. We argue that our results provide the first evidence for a collective excitation in a lattice simulation.Comment: 18 pages, 6 figure