Global $\Lambda$-hyperon polarization in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}=3$ GeV

The STAR collaboration Abdallah, M.S. ; Aboona, B.E. ; Adam, J. ; et al.
Phys.Rev.C 104 (2021) L061901, 2021.
Inspire Record 1897216 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.110658

Global hyperon polarization, $\overline{P}_\mathrm{H}$, in Au+Au collisions over a large range of collision energy, $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$, was recently measured and successfully reproduced by hydrodynamic and transport models with intense fluid vorticity of the quark-gluon plasma. While naïve extrapolation of data trends suggests a large $\overline{P}_\mathrm{H}$ as the collision energy is reduced, the behavior of $\overline{P}_\mathrm{H}$ at small $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}<7.7$ GeV is unknown. Operating the STAR experiment in fixed-target mode, we measured the polarization of $\Lambda$ hyperons along the direction of global angular momentum in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}=3$ GeV. The observation of substantial polarization of $4.91\pm0.81(\rm stat.)\pm0.15(\rm syst.)$% in these collisions may require a reexamination of the viscosity of any fluid created in the collision, of the thermalization timescale of rotational modes, and of hadronic mechanisms to produce global polarization.

6 data tables

The measured invariant-mass distributions of two classes of $\Lambda$-hyperon decays. The decay classes are defined using the scalar triple product $\left(\vec{p}_\Lambda\times\vec{p}_p^*\right)\cdot \vec{B}_{\rm STAR}$, which is positive for right decays and negative for left decays. The right decay class has a notably sharper invariant-mass distribution than the left decay class, and this is due to the effects of daughter tracks crossing in the STAR TPC with the STAR magnetic field anti-parallel to the lab frame's z direction. The opposite pattern is obtained by flipping the sign of the STAR magnetic field or by reconstructing $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons.

The signal polarizations extracted according to the restricted invariant-mass method as a function of $\phi_\Lambda - \phi_p^*$, for positive-rapidity $\Lambda$ hyperons. The sinusoidal behavior is driven by non-zero net $v_1$. The vertical shift corresponds to the vorticity-driven polarization; in collider mode, where the net $v_1$ is zero, this dependence on $\phi_\Lambda - \phi_p^*$ does not exist.

The integrated Global $\Lambda$-hyperon Polarization in mid-central collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=3$ GeV. The trend of increasing $\overline{P}_{\rm H}$ with decreasing $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ is maintained at this low collision energy. Previous experimental results are scaled by the updated $\Lambda$-hyperon decay parameter $\alpha_\Lambda=0.732$ for comparison with this result. Recent model calculations extended to low collision energy show disagreement between our data and AMPT and rough agreement with the 3-Fluid Dynamics (3FD) model. Previous measurements shown alongside our data can be found at: https://www.hepdata.net/record/ins750410?version=2; https://www.hepdata.net/record/ins1510474?version=1; https://www.hepdata.net/record/ins1672785?version=2; https://www.hepdata.net/record/ins1752507?version=2.

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Version 2
Global $\Lambda$ hyperon polarization in nuclear collisions: evidence for the most vortical fluid

The STAR collaboration Adamczyk, L. ; Adkins, J.K. ; Agakishiev, G. ; et al.
Nature 548 (2017) 62-65, 2017.
Inspire Record 1510474 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.77494

The extreme temperatures and energy densities generated by ultra-relativistic collisions between heavy nuclei produce a state of matter with surprising fluid properties. Non-central collisions have angular momentum on the order of 1000$\hbar$, and the resulting fluid may have a strong vortical structure that must be understood to properly describe the fluid. It is also of particular interest because the restoration of fundamental symmetries of quantum chromodynamics is expected to produce novel physical effects in the presence of strong vorticity. However, no experimental indications of fluid vorticity in heavy ion collisions have so far been found. Here we present the first measurement of an alignment between the angular momentum of a non-central collision and the spin of emitted particles, revealing that the fluid produced in heavy ion collisions is by far the most vortical system ever observed. We find that $\Lambda$ and $\overline{\Lambda}$ hyperons show a positive polarization of the order of a few percent, consistent with some hydrodynamic predictions. A previous measurement that reported a null result at higher collision energies is seen to be consistent with the trend of our new observations, though with larger statistical uncertainties. These data provide the first experimental access to the vortical structure of the "perfect fluid" created in a heavy ion collision. They should prove valuable in the development of hydrodynamic models that quantitatively connect observations to the theory of the Strong Force. Our results extend the recent discovery of hydrodynamic spin alignment to the subatomic realm.

2 data tables

Lambda and AntiLambda polarization as a function of collision energy. A 0.8% error on the alpha value used in the paper is corrected in this table. Systematic error bars include those associated with particle identification (negligible), uncertainty in the value of the hyperon decay parameter (2%) and reaction plane resolution (2%) and detector efficiency corrections (4%). The dominant systematic error comes from statistical fluctuations of the estimated combinatoric background under the (anti-)$\Lambda$ mass peak.

Lambda and AntiLambda polarization as a function of collision energy calculated using the new $\alpha_\Lambda=0.732$ updated on PDG2020. Systematic error bars include those associated with particle identification (negligible), uncertainty in the value of the hyperon decay parameter (2%) and reaction plane resolution (2%) and detector efficiency corrections (4%). The dominant systematic error comes from statistical fluctuations of the estimated combinatoric background under the (anti-)$\Lambda$ mass peak.


Double Spin Asymmetries A_NN and A_SS at sqrt{s}=200 GeV in Polarized Proton-Proton Elastic Scattering at RHIC

The pp2pp collaboration Bultmann, S. ; Chiang, I.H. ; Chrien, R.E. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 647 (2007) 98-103, 2007.
Inspire Record 729168 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.31499

We present the first measurements of the double spin asymmetries A_NN and A_SS at sqrt{s}=200 GeV, obtained by the pp2pp experiment using polarized proton beams at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The data were collected in the four momentum transfer t range 0.01<|t|<0.03 (GeV/c)^2. The measured asymmetries, which are consistent with zero, allow us to estimate upper limits on the double helicity-flip amplitudes phi_2 and phi_4 at small t as well as on the difference Delta(sigma_T) between the total cross sections for transversely polarized protons with antiparallel or parallel spin orientations.

3 data tables

Double spin asymmetries.

Double spin asymmetries.

T dependence of the double spin asymmetry ASS3 with statistical errors only.


Measurement of the analyzing power A(N) in p p elastic scattering in the CNI region with a polarized atomic hydrogen gas jet target.

Okada, H. ; Alekseev, I.G. ; Bravar, A. ; et al.
2006.
Inspire Record 707803 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.41834

A precise measurement of the analyzing power $A_N$ in proton-proton elastic scattering in the region of 4-momentum transfer squared $0.001 < |t| < 0.032 ({\rm GeV}/c)^2$ has been performed using a polarized atomic hydrogen gas jet target and the 100 GeV/$c$ RHIC proton beam. The interference of the electromagnetic spin-flip amplitude with a hadronic spin-nonflip amplitude is predicted to generate a significant $A_N$ of 4--5%, peaking at $-t \simeq 0.003 ({\rm GeV}/c)^2$. This kinematic region is known as the Coulomb Nuclear Interference region. A possible hadronic spin-flip amplitude modifies this otherwise calculable prediction. Our data are well described by the CNI prediction with the electromagnetic spin-flip alone and do not support the presence of a large hadronic spin-flip amplitude.

1 data table

Analysing power as a function of momentum transfer T. The first DSYS error is the systematic error, the second is the normalization error on the target polarization.


First measurement of A(N) at s**(1/2) = 200-GeV in polarized proton proton elastic scattering at RHIC.

Bultmann, S. ; Chiang, I.H. ; Chrien, R.E. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 632 (2006) 167-172, 2006.
Inspire Record 688172 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.31570

We report on the first measurement of the single spin analyzing power (A_N) at sqrt(s)=200GeV, obtained by the pp2pp experiment using polarized proton beams at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Data points were measured in the four momentum transfer t range 0.01 < |t| < 0.03 (GeV/c)^2. Our result, averaged over the whole t-interval is about one standard deviation above the calculation, which uses interference between electromagnetic spin-flip amplitude and hadronic non-flip amplitude, the source of A_N. The difference could be explained by an additional contribution of a hadronic spin-flip amplitude to A_N.

1 data table

The single spin analyzing power for 3 T intervals.


Measurements of spin rotation parameter A in pion proton elastic scattering at 1.62-GeV/c.

The ITEP-PNPI collaboration Alekseev, I.G. ; Budkovsky, P.E. ; Kanavets, V.P. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 485 (2000) 32-36, 2000.
Inspire Record 526552 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.41744

The ITEP-PNPI collaboration presents the results of the measurements of the spin rotation parameter A in the elastic scattering of positive and negative pions on protons at P_beam = 1.62 GeV/c. The setup included a longitudinally-polarized proton target with superconductive magnet, multiwire spark chambers and a carbon polarimeter with thick filter. Results are compared to the predictions of partial wave analyses. The experiment was performed at the ITEP proton synchrotron, Moscow.

2 data tables

No description provided.

No description provided.


Measurement of the carbon analyzing power in the momentum range 1.36-GeV/c to 2.02-GeV/c.

Alekseev, I.G. ; Budkovsky, P.E. ; Kanavets, V.P. ; et al.
Phys.Atom.Nucl. 62 (1999) 2024-2030, 1999.
Inspire Record 515065 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.39979

None

12 data tables

THE CARBON THICKNESS 4.9 G/CM**2.

THE CARBON THICKNESS 19.4 G/CM**2.

THE CARBON THICKNESS 36.5 G/CM**2.

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Measurement of the spin rotation parameter A+ in the elastic scattering of positive pions on a longitudinally polarized proton target in the second resonance region

The ITEP-PNPI collaboration Alekseev, I.G. ; Bobchenko, B.M. ; Budkovsky, P.E. ; et al.
Phys.Lett.B 351 (1995) 585-590, 1995.
Inspire Record 403317 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.28540

The ITEP-PNPI collaboration presents the first results of the spin rotation parameter A + measurements in the second resonance region. The experiment was performed at the ITEP accelerator at a positive pion beam momentum 1.43 GeV/c for scattering angles θ cm = 127° and 133°. The setup was based on a polarized proton target and a carbon-plate polarimeter. The obtained data is compared with the predictions of the existing partial-wave analyses.

1 data table

No description provided.


The Reaction anti-p p --> anti-Lambda Lambda Between 1.50-GeV/c and 2.06-GeV/c

Jayet, B. ; Gailloud, M. ; Rosselet, P. ; et al.
Nuovo Cim.A 45 (1978) 371-388, 1978.
Inspire Record 135059 DOI 10.17182/hepdata.37573

The reaction\(\bar pp \to \bar \Lambda \Lambda \) has been studied in a bubble chamber experiment at eight incident momenta between 1.50 and 2.06 GeV/c. The differential cross-section, the polarization and the spin correlation coefficients have been measured. They have been compared with the prediction of two theoretical models: the K-meson conspiracy and the exchange of the K*K** degenerate trajectory associated with a Regge cut. The latter model gives the best representation of the data.

3 data tables

No description provided.

No description provided.

POLARIZATION AND SPIN CORRELATION COEFFICIENTS. AVERAGED OVER ALL ANGLES. SEE PAPER FOR DEFINITIONS, MORE DETAILS AND POSSIBLE T-DEPENDENCE.