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arXiv · 2603.04263

Quantum Kinetic Theory for Quantum Chromodynamics

Shu Lin
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Abstract

We develop a quantum kinetic theory for QCD, which incorporates all leading order collision terms. At lowest order in gradient expansion, it reproduces the spin-averaged Boltzmann equation with both elastic and inelastic collisions. At next order in gradient expansion, the solution to the quantum kinetic equations give spin polarization of on-shell quarks and gluons in quark-gluon plasma when the gradients are of hydrodynamic ones. A power counting in the coupling shows the spin polarization behaves differently in vortical and non-vortical gradients: the former is free of collisional contribution to leading order, while the latter contains a collisional contribution at parametrically the same order as the free theory counterpart. We also find the inelastic collision in a spin basis provides a possible mechanism for conversion between spin and orbital angular momentum.

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Shu Lin. 2026-03-04. Quantum Kinetic Theory for Quantum Chromodynamics. https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.04263

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