We compare SU(2) Polyakov loop models with different effective actions with data from full two-color QCD simulations around and above the critical temperature. We then apply the effective theories at finite temperature and density to extract quantiti
es like Polyakov loop correlators, effective Polyakov loop potentials and baryon density.
In preparation of lattice studies of the two-color QCD phase diagram we study chiral restoration and deconfinement at finite temperature with two flavors of staggered quarks using an RHMC algorithm on GPUs. We first study unquenching effects in local
Polyakov loop distributions, and the Polyakov loop potential obtained via Legendre transformation, in a fixed-scale approach for heavier quarks. We also present the chiral condensate and the corresponding susceptibility over the lattice coupling across the chiral transition for lighter quarks. Using Ferrenberg-Swendsen reweighting we extract the maxima of the chiral susceptibility in order to determine pseudo-critical couplings on various lattices suitable for chiral extrapolations. These are then used to fix the relation between coupling and temperature in the chiral limit.
Motivated by lattice QCD studies we investigate the RW transition endpoint at imaginary chemical potential in a two-flavor PNJL model. We focus on the quark-mass dependence of the endpoint using different forms of the Polyakov-loop potential.
