Helicity polarization in relativistic heavy ion collisions

TL;DR

This paper explores how helicity polarization arises from vorticity and helicity charge in relativistic heavy ion collisions, proposing methods to detect initial net helicity charge through polarization correlations.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of helicity polarization in heavy ion collisions and suggests new detection techniques for initial helicity charge via polarization measurements.

Findings

Helicity charge can be redistributed in viscous fluids affecting polarization.

Helicity polarization correlates with initial topological charge fluctuations.

Methods to detect initial net helicity charge are proposed.

Abstract

We discuss the helicity polarization which can be locally induced from both vorticity and helicity charge in non-central heavy ion collisions. Helicity charge redistribution can be generated in viscous fluid and contributes to azimuthal asymmetry of the polarization along global angular momentum or beam momentum. We also discuss on detecting the initial net helicity charge from topological charge fluctuation or initial color longitudinal field by the helicity polarization correlation of two hyperons and the helicity alignment of vector mesons in central heavy ion collisions.