The Four-Fermi Model in Three Dimensions at Non-Zero Density and Temperature

Abstract

The Four Fermi model with discrete chiral symmetry is studied in three dimensions at non-zero chemical potential and temperature using the Hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm. The number of fermion flavors is chosen large $(N_f=12)$ to compare with analytic results. A first order chiral symmetry restoring transition is found at zero temperature with a critical chemical potential $\mu_c$ in good agreement with the large $N_f$ calculations. The critical index $\nu$ of the correlation length is measured in good agreement with analytic calculations. The two dimensional phase diagram (chemical potential vs. temperature) is mapped out quantitatively. Finite size effects on relatively small lattices and non-zero fermion mass effects are seen to smooth out the chiral transition dramatically.