Work

Transverse spin polarization as a novel probe of the medium-induced transverse-momentum-broadening effect

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The transverse polarization of Λ hyperons within unpolarized jets is encoded in the transverse-momentum-dependent fragmentation function D 1 T ⊥ ( z , p ⊥ , μ 2 ) . In the vacuum environment, the QCD evolution of this transverse-momentum-dependent fragmentation function is governed by the Collins-Soper equation. However, in the presence of the quark-gluon plasma medium, the jet-medium interaction induces the transverse-momentum-broadening effect that modifies the QCD evolution. As a result, the transverse spin polarization of Λ hyperons in relativistic heavy-ion collisions differs from that in p p collisions. We demonstrate that this difference serves as a sensitive probe for studying jet-medium interaction, offering a novel perspective through the spin degree of freedom.

Source: Physical review. D/Physical review. D.

DOI: 10.1103/vtwj-8vjc

Authors: Xin-Yu Qin, Yu-Kun Song, Shu-Yi Wei

Institutions: Shandong University, University of Jinan

Language: English

Topic: High-Energy Particle Collisions Research

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province