The Phase Diagram of the Three Dimensional Thirring Model

Abstract

We present Monte Carlo simulation results for the three dimensional Thirring model on moderate sized lattices using a hybrid molecular dynamics algorithm which permits an odd or non-integer number Nf of fermion flavors. We find a continuous chiral symmetry breaking transition for Nf approximately equal to 3 with critical exponents consistent with expectations from previous studies. For Nf=5 the order of the transition is difficult to determine on the lattice sizes explored. We present a phase diagram for the model in the (1/g^2,Nf) plane and contrast our findings with expectations based on approximate solutions of the continuum Schwinger-Dyson equations.