Non-Equilibrium Dynamics in QCD and Holography: A Review
Published:Dec 31, 2025 15:11
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper reviews the application of hydrodynamic and holographic approaches to understand the non-equilibrium dynamics of the quark-gluon plasma created in heavy ion collisions. It highlights the challenges of describing these dynamics directly within QCD and the utility of effective theories and holographic models, particularly at strong coupling. The paper focuses on three specific examples: non-equilibrium shear viscosity, sound wave propagation, and the chiral magnetic effect, providing a valuable overview of current research in this area.
Key Takeaways
- •Heavy ion collisions create a quark-gluon plasma that evolves through non-equilibrium and near-equilibrium phases.
- •Direct QCD calculations of non-equilibrium dynamics are complex.
- •Hydrodynamic and holographic approaches offer alternative descriptions.
- •Holography provides a tool to study strong coupling dynamics.
- •The paper reviews applications to shear viscosity, sound waves, and the chiral magnetic effect.
Reference
“Holographic descriptions allow access to the full non-equilibrium dynamics at strong coupling.”