Phase Diagram of Dense Two-Color QCD at Low Temperatures

This review is devoted to the modern understanding of the two-color QCD phase diagram at finite baryon density and low temperatures. First, we consider the theoretical picture of this phase diagram. It is believed that at low baryon density, two-color QCD can be described by chiral perturbation theory (ChPT), which predicts a second-order phase transition with Bose-Einstein condensation of diquarks at mu = m(pi)/2. At larger baryon chemical potentials, the interactions between baryons become important, and ChPT is not applicable anymore. At sufficiently large baryon chemical potential, the Fermi sphere composed of quarks is formed, and diquarks are condensed on the surface of this sphere. In this region, two-color baryon matter reveals properties similar to those of the Quarkyonic phase. Particular attention in this review is paid to lattice studies of dense two-color QCD phase diagram. In the low-density region, the results of lattice studies are in agreement with ChPT predictions. At sufficiently large baryon densities, lattice studies observe a Fermi sphere composed of quarks and condensation of diquarks on its surface. Thus, available lattice studies support most of the theoretical predictions. Finally, we discuss the status of the deconfinement in cold dense two-color matter, which was observed in lattice simulation with staggered fermions.

Automated summary

This review discusses the modern understanding of the two-color QCD phase diagram at finite baryon density and low temperatures. At low baryon density, chiral perturbation theory (ChPT) is applicable and predicts a second-order phase transition with Bose-Einstein condensation of diquarks. At larger baryon chemical potentials, interactions between baryons become important and ChPT is not applicable. Lattice studies support most of the theoretical predictions, showing a Fermi sphere composed of quarks and condensation of diquarks on its surface at large baryon densities.