Symmetry in Theoretical Particle Physics and Hadron Physics
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2026 | Viewed by 65
Special Issue Editors
Interests: theoretical nuclear particle astrophysics
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Symmetry principles, particularly Z3 center symmetry and chiral symmetry, play a crucial role in understanding the behavior of strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions. These symmetries are central to the study of phase transitions in hot and dense QCD matter, impacting phenomena such as the early universe, neutron stars, and heavy-ion collisions. The restoration of chiral symmetry at high temperatures and densities is directly linked to the properties of hadrons and the equation of state, while Z3 symmetry, associated with the confinement–deconfinement transition, is key to understanding quark–gluon plasma formation and its astrophysical implications. This Special Issue aims to explore the impact of these symmetries on the QCD phase diagram, the deconfinement and chiral phase transitions, and their relevance to neutron star mergers, compact star cooling, and the early universe’s thermal history. Contributions employing lattice QCD, effective field theories, relativistic mean-field models, functional methods, and holographic QCD to study these transitions are particularly encouraged. Additionally, studies addressing the interplay between symmetry restoration, color superconductivity, topological effects, and exotic phases of QCD in astrophysical environments are welcomed.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar
Dr. Joaquin Grefa
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- Z3 center symmetry and confinement
- chiral symmetry restoration
- phase transitions in hot and dense QCD
- neutron stars
- heavy-ion collisions
- QCD phase transitions
- color superconductivity
- lattice QCD
- RMF models
- neutrino transport
- in-medium mass of hadrons
- equation of state
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