Phases of QCD, Polyakov Loop and Quasiparticles

QCD thermodynamics is studied using a model which combines Polyakov loop dynamics with spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking and its restoration (the PNJL model). The input is fixed entirely by pure-gauge lattice QCD results and by pion properties in vacuum. Successful comparisons with results from thermal lattice QCD are achieved, including extrapolations to finite quark chemical potential. The phase diagram and selected susceptibilities for two quark flavors are investigated with inclusion of diquark degrees of freedom.