The Polyakov loop models in the large N limit: Correlation function and screening masses

Abstract

We explore the 't Hooft-Veneziano limit of the Polyakov loop models at finite baryon chemical potential. Using methods developed by us earlier we calculate the two- and $N$-point correlation functions of the Polyakov loops. This gives a possibility to compute the various potentials in the confinement phase and to derive the screening masses outside the confinement region. In particular, we establish the existence of complex masses and an oscillating decay of correlations in a certain range of parameters. Furthermore, it is shown that the calculation of the $N$-point correlation function in the confinement phase reduces to the geometric median problem. This leads to a large $N$ analog of the $Y$ law for the baryon potential.