Recent progresses on QCD phases in a strong magnetic field -- views from Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model

Abstract

In this review, we summarize recent progress on the possible phases of quantum chromodynamics (QCD) in the presence of a strong magnetic field, mainly from the views of the chiral effective Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model. Four kinds of phase transitions are explored in detail: chiral symmetry breaking and restoration, neutral pseudoscalar superfluidity, charged pion superfluidity and charged rho superconductivity. In particular, we revisit the unsolved problems of inverse magnetic catalysis effect and competition between the chiral density wave and solitonic modulation phases. It is shown that useful results can be obtained by adopting self-consistent schemes.