QCD Matter and Symmetry: Phases, Transitions and Extreme Conditions
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Physics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 40
Special Issue Editors
2. Departamento de Física, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Avenida del Libertador 8250, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1429, Argentina
Interests: chiral effective models; finite temperature and density; QCD phase diagram; compact objects; magnetic fields
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: dense matter; effective models; neutron stars; compact star oscillations; gravitational waves; phase transitions
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Understanding the behavior of strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions remains a fundamental challenge in modern theoretical and experimental physics. Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) predicts a rich and complex phase structure, encompassing transitions such as chiral symmetry restoration, deconfinement, and color superconductivity. These phenomena play crucial roles in both astrophysical environments and heavy-ion collisions, shaping our understanding of strong interactions at high densities and temperatures.
This Special Issue aims to investigate the thermal and density-dependent structural properties of QCD matter across various regimes, with particular emphasis on non-perturbative approaches and effective models for the QCD phase diagram. Topics of interest include isospin asymmetry effects, the impact of strong magnetic fields, the role of anomalous magnetic moments, and the thermodynamic properties of both infinite and finite systems.
We also welcome contributions with theoretical models and phenomenological approaches to heavy-ion collisions, including their connection to the QCD equation of state, transport properties, and potential signatures of phase transitions.
Furthermore, submissions examining the implications of these phenomena for compact stars—such as binary neutron star mergers, strange stars, magnetars, and neutron star cooling—are strongly encouraged. We also invite works addressing the possible interplay between QCD matter and dark matter in astrophysical and cosmological contexts.
We look forward to receiving your contributions, which will help advance our understanding of strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions.
Dr. Ana Gabriela Grunfeld
Dr. German Lugones
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- non-Perturbative QCD and effective models
- QCD phase diagram
- isospin asymmetry/symmetry
- chiral symmetry restoration
- deconfinement
- inhomogeneous phases
- magnetized quark matter
- anomalous magnetic moment
- finite systems
- color superconductivity
- compact stars: hybrid stars–strange stars
- neutron star mergers–cooling-oscillations
- dark matter/energy
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
