Critical endpoint of QCD in a finite volume

We investigate the impact of finite volume and the corresponding restrictions on long-range correlations on the location of the critical endpoint in the QCD phase diagram. To this end, we employ a sophisticated combination of lattice Yang-Mills theory and a (truncated) version of Dyson-Schwingcr equations in Landau gauge for 2 + 1 quark flavors that has been studied extensively in the past. In the infinite-volume limit, this system predicts a critical endpoint at moderate temperature and large chemical potential. We study this system at small and intermediate volumes and determine the dependence of the location of the critical endpoint on the boundary conditions and the volume of a three-dimensional cube with edge length L. We demonstrate that noticeable volume effects of more than five percent occur only for L less than or similar to 5 fm and that volumes as large as L-3 greater than or similar to (8 fm)(3) are very close to the infinite-volume limit.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of finite volume and the corresponding restrictions on long-range correlations on the location of the critical endpoint in the QCD phase diagram. Utilizing a combination of lattice Yang-Mills theory and truncated versions of Dyson-Schwingcr equations, the researchers found that the critical endpoint's location is dependent on volume and boundary conditions. Notable volume effects are observed for volumes less than or equal to 5 fm, with larger volumes approaching the infinite-volume limit.