Bayesian location of the QCD critical point from a holographic perspective

Abstract

A fundamental question in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is the existence of a phase transition at large doping of quarks over antiquarks. We present the first prediction of a QCD critical point (𝐶⁢𝑃) from a Bayesian analysis constrained by first principle results at zero doping. We employ the gauge/gravity duality to map QCD onto a theory of dual black holes. Predictions for the 𝐶⁢𝑃 location in different realizations of the model overlap at one sigma. Even if many prior samples do not include a 𝐶⁢𝑃, one is found in nearly 100% of posterior samples, indicating a strong preference for a 𝐶⁢𝑃.