Towards QCD thermodynamics at finite density

by Owe PHILIPSEN (M.I.T.)

Thursday 12 Jul 2001, 14:00 → 15:00 Europe/Zurich

TH Auditorium (CERN)

In the presence of a finite baryon density, QCD cannot be simulated by standard Monte Carlo methods because the integration measure is complex, leading to the so-called 'sign-problem'. We start by reviewing various methods that have been suggested to overcome this problem. We then focus on a particular one, based on simulations with an imaginary chemical potential, where the measure is real, and a subsequent analytic continuation. We test the method in the deconfined phase where the system can be dimensionally reduced to a simple 3d effective theory, allowing for precise numerical studies. Finally we discuss preliminary numerical results in the 4d theory, valid for the confined phase as well.