Thermal Field Theory in the Presence of a Background Magnetic Field and its Application to QCD

Abstract

This review has explored the fundamental principles of thermal field theory in the context of a background magnetic field, highlighting its theoretical framework and some of its applications to the thermo-magnetic QCD plasma generated in heavy-ion collisions. Our discussion has been limited to equilibrium systems for clarity and conciseness. We analysed bulk thermodynamic characteristics, including the phase diagram as well as real-time observables, shedding light on the behaviour and dynamics of the thermo-magnetic QCD medium relevant to heavy-ion physics.

Comments: Invited review in Progress in Particle and Nuclear Physics, modified and refined to match the journal version