(Pseudo) Scalar mesons in a self-consistent NJL model

In this study, we investigate the mass spectra of π and σ mesons at finite chemical potential using theself-consistent NJL model and the Fierz-transformed interaction Lagrangian. The model introduces an arbitrary parameterα to reflect the weights of the Fierz-transformed interaction channels. We show that, when α exceeds a certainthreshold value, the chiral phase transition transforms from a first-order one to a smooth crossover, which is evidentfrom the behaviors of the chiral condensates and meson masses. Additionally, at a high chemical potential, the smallerthe value of α, the higher the masses of the π and σ mesons. Moreover, the Mott and dissociation chemical potentialsincrease with the increase in α. Thus, the meson mass emerges as a valuable experimental observable for determiningthe value of α and investigating the properties of the chiral phase transition in dense QCD matter.

Do we need to use regularization for the thermal part in the NJL model?

The Nambu–Jona-Lasinio(NJL)model is one of the most useful tools for studying non-perturbative strong interactions in matter.Because it is a nonrenormalizable model,the choice of regularization is a subtle issue.In this paper,we discuss one of the general issues regarding regularization in the NJL model,which is whether we need to use regularization for the thermal part by evaluating the quark chiral condensate and thermal properties in the two-flavor NJL model.The calculations in this work include three regularization schemes that contain both gauge covariant and invariant schemes.We found that,regardless of the regularization scheme we choose,it is necessary to use regularization for the thermal part when calculating physical quantities related to the chiral condensate and to not use regularization for the thermal part when calculating physical quantities related to the grand potential.