Non-Perturbative Effects in Dense Quark Matter

Author: Barrois, Bertrand C.

Year: 1979

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Frautschi, Steven C.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/st6f-9884

Abstract

Spontaneous symmetry violations in dense quark matter with QCD interactions are investigated by means of variational energy minimization procedures and self-consistent field theory. At least three distinct phases are found to exist, a colour symmetric baryon phase around nuclear density, a colour symmetry violating diquark condensate at high densities and low temperatures, and a strictly perturbative phase with all symmetries restored at high temperatures. Phase transitions associated with heavy quark thresholds and the disappearance of meson condensates are also suspected. The gap equation for the superconducting diquark phase is solved explicitly. The critical temperature for its transition to the perturbative phase is found to be far below the big bang temperature. Diquark condensates possess numerous Goldstone modes and other collective excitations with calculable properties.

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