We investigate the properties of quark matter at finite density and temperature using the nonlinear chiral extension of the color dielectric model. Assuming that the square of the meson fields develops a nonzero vacuum expectation value, the thermodynamic potential for interacting three flavor matter has been calculated. It is found that 〈${\mathit{K}}^2$〉 and 〈${\mathrm{\eta }}^2$〉 remain zero in the medium whereas 〈${\mathrm{\pi }}^2$〉 changes in the medium. As a result, u and d quark masses decrease monotonically as the temperature and density of the quark matter is increased. In the present model, the deconfinement density and temperature are found to be lower compared to lattice results. We also study the behavior of pressure and energy density above critical temperature.

• Received 6 February 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.52.2195