Search for collectivity with azimuthal J/$\psi$-hadron correlations in high multiplicity p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 and 8.16 TeV

TL;DR

This study measures azimuthal correlations between J/ψ mesons and charged hadrons in high-multiplicity p-Pb collisions at LHC energies, revealing collective effects similar to those in Pb-Pb collisions, indicating possible common underlying mechanisms.

Contribution

It provides the first evidence of collective behavior in J/ψ-hadron correlations in p-Pb collisions, comparable to Pb-Pb results, suggesting similar underlying physics.

Findings

Positive v2 coefficient for J/ψ at 3-6 GeV/c

Symmetric structures in azimuthal correlations after subtraction

Similar v2 values to Pb-Pb collisions at 5.02 TeV

Abstract

We present a measurement of azimuthal correlations between inclusive J/$\psi$ and charged hadrons in p-Pb collisions recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC. The J/$\psi$ are reconstructed at forward (p-going, 2.03 $<$ y $<$ 3.53) and backward (Pb-going, $-$4.46 $<$ y $<$ $-$2.96) rapidity via their $\mu^+\mu^-$ decay channel, while the charged hadrons are reconstructed at mid-rapidity ($|\eta|$ $<$ 1.8). The correlations are expressed in terms of associated charged-hadron yields per J/$\psi$ trigger. A rapidity gap of at least 1.5 units is required between the trigger J/$\psi$ and the associated charged hadrons. Possible correlations due to collective effects are assessed by subtracting the associated per-trigger yields in the low-multiplicity collisions from those in the high-multiplicity collisions. After the subtraction, we observe a strong indication of remaining symmetric structures at $\Delta\varphi$ $\approx$ 0 and $\Delta\varphi$ $\approx$ $\pi$, similar to those previously found in two-particle correlations at middle and forward rapidity. The corresponding second-order Fourier coefficient ($v_2$) in the transverse momentum interval between 3 and 6 GeV/$c$ is found to be positive with a significance of about 5$\sigma$. The obtained results are similar to the J/$\psi$ $v_2$ coefficients measured in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV, suggesting a common mechanism at the origin of the J/$\psi$ $v_2$.