Charge-dependent flow as evidence of strong electromagnetic fields in heavy-ion collisions
A. Dubla, Umut Gürsoy, R. J. M. Snellings
Abstract
The extremely large electromagnetic fields generated in heavy-ion collisions provide access to novel observables that are expected to constrain various key transport properties of the quark-gluon plasma and could help solve one of the outstanding puzzles in QCD: the strong CP problem. In this review we present a brief overview of the theoretical and experimental characterization of these electromagnetic fields. After reviewing the current state, emphasizing one of the observables — the charge-dependent flow — we discuss the various discrepancies between the measurements and theoretical predictions. Finally, to help resolve the discrepancies, we suggest new measurements and theoretical ideas.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsObservableHeavy ionCharge (physics)Quark–gluon plasmaElectromagnetic fieldQuantum chromodynamicsParticle physicsFlow (mathematics)Current (fluid)PlasmaQuantum electrodynamicsNuclear physicsIonTheoretical physicsQuantum mechanicsMechanicsThermodynamicsHigh-Energy Particle Collisions ResearchQuantum Chromodynamics and Particle InteractionsParticle physics theoretical and experimental studies