Chiral symmetry restoration in the three-dimensional four-fermion model at non-zero temperature and density

Abstract

The three-dimensional four-fermion model with a Z_2 chiral symmetry and N=4 fermion species in the system is investigated numerically at non-zero temparature and chemical potential. The phase diagram in the (chemical potential, temperature) plane is mapped out quantitatively. A detailed finite size scaling analysis shows that the zero temperature and non-zero chemical potential chiral phase transition is first order, whereas the non-zero temperature and non-zero chemical potential transition remains second order down to very low temperatures. Quantitative results for the location of the end of the first order line are given. The simulations at T=0 provided no evidence for a nuclear liquid-gas transition.