Implications of CP-violating transitions in hot quark matter on heavy ion collisions

TL;DR

This paper discusses how topological charge transitions in hot quark matter can lead to observable charge separation effects, known as the Chiral Magnetic Effect, in heavy ion collisions.

Contribution

It introduces the potential observation of the Chiral Magnetic Effect in heavy ion collisions due to topological charge transitions in hot quark matter.

Findings

Topological charge transitions induce charge separation in magnetic fields.

The Chiral Magnetic Effect could be observable in heavy ion collision experiments.

Charge separation aligns with magnetic field direction in quark-gluon plasma.

Abstract

Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) predicts that topological charge changing transitions will take place in hot quark matter. Such transitions induce P- and CP-violating effects. We will show that in the presence of a magnetic field these transitions can separate quarks according to their electric charge along the direction of the magnetic field. This is the so-called Chiral Magnetic Effect. We will argue that it might be possible to observe the Chiral Magnetic Effect in heavy ion collisions.