Observation of charge-dependent azimuthal correlations and possible local strong parity violation in heavy ion collisions

The STAR collaboration Abelev, B.I. ; Aggarwal, M.M. ; Ahammed, Z. ; et al.
Phys.Rev.C 81 (2010) 054908, 2010.
Inspire Record 830676 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.98577

Parity-odd domains, corresponding to non-trivial topological solutions of the QCD vacuum, might be created during relativistic heavy-ion collisions. These domains are predicted to lead to charge separation of quarks along the orbital momentum of the system created in non-central collisions. To study this effect, we investigate a three particle mixed harmonics azimuthal correlator which is a \P-even observable, but directly sensitive to the charge separation effect. We report measurements of this observable using the STAR detector in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 and 62~GeV. The results are presented as a function of collision centrality, particle separation in rapidity, and particle transverse momentum. A signal consistent with several of the theoretical expectations is detected in all four data sets. We compare our results to the predictions of existing event generators, and discuss in detail possible contributions from other effects that are not related to parity violation.

19 data tables

$\langle cos(\phi_{\alpha}+\phi_{\beta}−2\phi_{c})\rangle$ as a function of reference multiplicity for different charge combinations, before corrections for acceptance effects. In the legend the signs indicate the charge of particles $\alpha$, $\beta$, and c. The results shown are for Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV obtained in the Reversed Full Field.

$\langle cos(\phi_{\alpha}+\phi_{\beta}−2\phi_{c})\rangle$ as a function of reference multiplicity for different charge combinations, before corrections for acceptance effects. In the legend the signs indicate the charge of particles $\alpha$, $\beta$, and c. The results shown are for Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV obtained in the Full Field.

$\langle cos(\phi_{\alpha}+\phi_{\beta}−2\phi_{c})\rangle$ as a function of reference multiplicity for different charge combinations, after corrections for acceptance effects. In the legend the signs indicate the charge of particles $\alpha$, $\beta$, and c. The results shown are for Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV obtained in the Reversed Full Field.

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Incident energy dependence of p(t) correlations at RHIC.

The STAR collaboration Adams, J. ; Aggarwal, M.M. ; Ahammed, Z. ; et al.
Phys.Rev.C 72 (2005) 044902, 2005.
Inspire Record 681688 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.102946

We present results for two-particle transverse momentum correlations, <dpt,i dpt,j>, as a function of event centrality for Au+Au collisions at sqrt(sNN) = 20, 62, 130, and 200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. We observe correlations decreasing with centrality that are similar at all four incident energies. The correlations multiplied by the multiplicity density increase with incident energy and the centrality dependence may show evidence of processes such as thermalization, minijet production, or the saturation of transverse flow. The square root of the correlations divided by the event-wise average transverse momentum per event shows little or no beam energy dependence and generally agrees with previous measurements at the Super Proton Synchrotron.

8 data tables

Average transverse momentum per event for Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 20 GeV for the 5% most central collisions.

Average transverse momentum per event for Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62 GeV for the 5% most central collisions.

Average transverse momentum per event for Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 130 GeV for the 5% most central collisions.

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