Phases of unitary matrix models and lattice QCD2

Abstract

We investigate the different large N phases of a generalized Gross-Witten-Wadia (GWW) U(N) matrix model. The deformation mimics the one-loop determinant of fermion matter with a particular coupling to gauge fields. In one version of the model, the GWW phase transition is smoothed out and it becomes a crossover. In another version, the phase transition occurs along a critical line in the two-dimensional parameter space spanned by the 't Hooft coupling λ and the Veneziano parameter τ. We compute the expectation value of Wilson loops in both phases, showing that the transition is third order. A calculation of the β function shows the existence of an IR stable fixed point.