Anomaly-Induced Inhomogeneous Phase in Quark Matter without the Sign Problem

Area of Science:

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Chromodynamics
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• A long-standing conjecture in physics suggested that theories without the sign problem cannot exhibit spontaneous breaking of translational invariance.
• Vectorlike gauge theories are crucial for understanding fundamental forces and matter under extreme conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the existence of an anomaly-induced inhomogeneous phase in vectorlike gauge theories.
• To challenge the conjecture that the absence of the sign problem precludes spontaneous breaking of translational invariance.
• To provide a benchmark for future lattice studies of dense quark matter.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of vectorlike gauge theories.
• Investigation of anomaly-induced phenomena.
• Exploration of theories without the sign problem.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the existence of an anomaly-induced inhomogeneous phase.
• Disproved the conjecture that the absence of the sign problem prevents spontaneous breaking of translational invariance.
• Identified implications for two-color quantum chromodynamics and external magnetic fields.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes a new phase in gauge theories, challenging established theoretical limitations.
• Results pave the way for novel lattice studies of inhomogeneous phases in dense quark matter.
• The findings have significant implications for understanding the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.