Title: Retarded correlators in kinetic theory: branch cuts, poles and hydrodynamic onset transitions

Abstract

In this paper, the collective modes of an effective kinetic theory description based on the Boltzmann equation in a relaxation-time approximation applicable to gauge theories at weak but finite coupling and low frequencies are studied. Real time retarded two-point correlators of the energy-momentum tensor and the R-charge current are calculated at finite temperature in flat space-times for large N gauge theories. It is found that the real-time correlators possess logarithmic branch cuts which in the limit of large coupling disappear and give rise to non-hydrodynamic poles that are reminiscent of quasi-normal modes in black holes. In addition to branch cuts, correlators can have simple hydrodynamic poles, generalizing the concept of hydrodynamic modes to intermediate wavelength. Surprisingly, the hydrodynamic poles cease to exist for some critical value of the wavelength and coupling reminiscent of the properties of onset transitions.

Authors:

Romatschke, Paul

Publication Date:

Fri Jun 24 00:00:00 EDT 2016

Research Org.:

Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1259198

Alternate Identifier(s):

OSTI ID: 1437933

Grant/Contract Number:  

SC0008132

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields Journal Volume: 76 Journal Issue: 6; Journal ID: ISSN 1434-6044

Publisher:

Springer Science + Business Media

Country of Publication:

Germany

Language:

English

Subject:

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS; 72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS; Gauge Theory; Kinetic Theory; Hooft Coupling; Hydrodynamic Limit; Onset Transition