Fourier coefficients of the net baryon number density and their scaling properties near a phase transition

Abstract

We study the Fourier coefficients b(k,T) of the net baryon number density in strongly interacting matter at finite temperature. We show that singularities in the complex chemical potential plane connected with phase transitions are reflected in the asymptotic behavior of the coefficients at large k. We derive the scaling properties of b(k,T) near a second order phase transition in the O(4) and Z(2) universality classes. The impact of first order and crossover transitions is also examined. The scaling properties of b(k,T) are linked to the QCD phase diagram in the temperature and complex chemical potential plane.