Stochastic Field Theory for a Dirac Particle Propagating in Gauge Field Disorder

Recent theoretical and numerical developments show analogies between quantum chromodynamics (QCD) and disordered systems in condensed matter physics. We study the spectral fluctuations of a Dirac particle propagating in a finite four-dimensional box in the presence of gauge fields. We construct a model which combines Efetov's approach to disordered systems with the principles of chiral symmetry and QCD. To this end, the gauge fields are replaced with a stochastic white-noise potential, the gauge field disorder. Effective supersymmetric nonlinear σ models are obtained. Spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry is found. We rigorously derive the equivalent of the Thouless energy within our generic model implying the universality of this scale in QCD. Connections to other low energy effective theories, in particular, the Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model and chiral perturbation theory, are found.