Abstract
Parity-odd domains, corresponding to nontrivial topological solutions of the QCD vacuum, might be created during relativistic heavy-ion collisions. These domains are predicted to lead to charge separation of quarks along the system’s orbital momentum axis. We investigate a three-particle azimuthal correlator which is a even observable, but directly sensitive to the charge separation effect. We report measurements of charged hadrons near center-of-mass rapidity with this observable in and collisions at using the STAR detector. A signal consistent with several expectations from the theory is detected. We discuss possible contributions from other effects that are not related to parity violation.
- Received 10 September 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.251601
©2009 American Physical Society
Viewpoint
Looking for parity violation in heavy-ion collisions
Published 14 December 2009
The STAR detector at RHIC has measured a signal that may indicate parity violation occurs in metastable regions of the superdense matter.
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