Superconducting phases of strongly-interacting matter in large magnetic fields

Abstract

The large magnetic fields of neutron stars and produced in heavy-ion collisions motivate investigation into the response of strongly-interacting matter to extreme magnetic forces beyond just theoretical interest. Furthermore, the varying temperature $T$, baryon chemical potential ${\mu }_B$, and aforementioned magnetic fields $B$, of these systems leads to questions concerning the phase structure of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) at large. At low temperatures, superconducting phases become a possible candidate for the ground state in the ${\mu }_B$-$B$ plane. This thesis investigates two scenarios where these phases emerge at $T=0$, with an emphasis on the type-II regime. Preceding the presentation of these works, the ${\mu }_B$-$B$ plane of the QCD phase diagram is reviewed such that the results can be placed in the wider context of this plane.

117 pages (excluding appendices and bibliography etc.), 23 figures, PhD thesis