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.
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.
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.
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.
The results on the differential cross sections as well as the polarizations of $\Lambda$ and $\Sigma^0$ have been obtained for $\bar{K}^0 n$, $\pi^0 \Lambda$, and $\pi^0 \Sigma^0$ production in $K^- p$ interactions at eight $K^-$ momenta between 514 and 750 MeV/$c$. The study is conducted by measuring multiphoton final states with the Crystal Ball spectrometer, using a $K^-$ beam from the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron of BNL. The results improve substantially the existing data, allowing a detailed reexamination of the $\Lambda^*$ and $\Sigma^*$ states in our energy range.
Differential cross section for the K- P --> KBAR0 N reaction. Errors are statistical only.
Differential cross section for the K- P --> KBAR0 N reaction. Errors are statistical only.
Differential cross section for the K- P --> PI0 LAMBDA reaction. Errors are statistical only.
Reaction K−p→π0π0Λ was measured at eight incident K− momenta between 514 and 750MeV∕c using the Crystal Ball multiphoton spectrometer. The reaction dynamics are displayed in total cross sections, Dalitz plots, invariant-mass spectra, production angular distributions, and the Λ polarization. The π0π0Λ production is dominated by the π0Σ0(1385) intermediate state; no trace of other light Σ∗ states is observed, and the role of the f0(600) meson appears to be insignificant. A striking similarity is seen between K−p→π0π0Λ and π−p→π0π0n; this can be understood as a consequence of dynamical flavor symmetry.
Measured cross section. Statistical errors only.
Differential cross section for the di-pion system in the c.m. system for incident momenta 514 to 629 MeV.
Differential cross section for the di-pion system in the c.m. system for incident momenta 659 to 750 MeV.
New accurate results of the neutron-proton spin-dependent total cross section difference $\Delta\sigma_{\mathrm L}(np)$
Unpolarized total cross sections.
Final results for SIG(NAME=CLL).
We present measurements of the differential and total cross sections and the Λ polarization for the reaction K−p→ηΛ from threshold to pK−=770MeV/c, with much better precision than previous measurements. Our cross-section data show a remarkable similarity to the SU(3) flavor-related π−p→ηn cross-section results. The reaction K−p→ηΛ at threshold is dominated by formation of the intermediate Λ(1670)12− state.
Total cross section measurement for K- P --> ETA LAMBDA. Errors shown are statistical only.
Differential cross sections DSIG/DOMEGA for K- P --> ETA LAMBDA. Errors shown are statistical only.
Differential cross sections DSIG/DOMEGA for K- P --> ETA LAMBDA. Errors shown are statistical only.
New results of the neutron-proton spin-dependent total cross section difference$\Delta\sigma_L(np)$at the neutron beam kinetic energies 1.59, 1.79 and 2.20 GeV ar
Final results from the np data.
Values of the cross section difference at I=0 deduced by combining these npdata with pure pp (I=1) data from other experiments.
No description provided.
No description provided.
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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.
No description provided.
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THE MOMENTUM OF EACH INCIDENT PION WAS DETERMINED WITH AN ACCURACY 0.2 PCT.
THE MOMENTUM OF EACH INCIDENT PION WAS DETERMINED WITH AN ACCURACY 0.2 PCT.
THE MOMENTUM OF EACH INCIDENT PION WAS DETERMINED WITH AN ACCURACY 0.2 PCT.
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