Tensor Network Simulation of compact one-dimensional lattice Quantum Chromodynamics at finite density

Abstract: We perform a zero temperature analysis of a non-Abelian lattice gauge model corresponding to an SU(3) Yang Mills theory in 1+1D at low energies. Specifically, we characterize the model ground states via gauge-invariant Matrix Product States, identifying its phase diagram at finite density as a function of the matter-gauge interaction coupling, the quark filling, and their bare mass. Overall, we observe an extreme robustness of baryons: For positive free-field energy couplings, all detected phases exhibit colorless quasiparticles, a strong numerical hint that QCD does not deconfine in 1D. Additionally, we show that having access to finite-density properties, it is possible to study the stability of composite particles, including multi-baryon bound states, such as the deuteron.