QCD at finite temperature and density: Criticality

Abstract

We overview recent theoretical developments in the search for QCD critical point at finite temperature and density, including from lattice QCD, effective QCD theories, and proton number cumulants in heavy-ion collisions. We summarize the available constraints and predictions for the critical point location and discuss future challenges and opportunities.

Comments: 7 pages, 2 figures. Proceedings of the XXXth International Conference on Ultrarelativistic Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions (Quark Matter 2023), Houston, Texas, USA, September 3-9, 2023