The phase diagram of QCD: a chiral matrix model, and a pseudo-Lifshitz point

Robert Pisarski (BNL)

I sketch an effective theory for QCD at nonzero temperature and quark density, by marrying a linear $\sigma$ model (for the chiral transition) with a matrix model (for deconfinement). I then discuss phases of cold, dense quarks, including chiral spirals in a quarkyonic phase, and how this might connect to a hadronic phase through a pseudo-Lifshitz point"