Global $\Lambda$ polarization in moderately relativistic nuclear collisions

Abstract

Predictions for the global polarization of $\Lambda$ hyperons in Au+Au collisions at moderately relativistic collision energies, 2.4 $\le \sqrt{s_{NN}}\le$ 11 GeV, are made. These are based on the thermodynamic approach to the global polarization incorporated into the model of the three-fluid dynamics. Centrality dependence of the polarization is studied. It is predicted that the polarization reaches a maximum or a plateau (depending on the equation of state and centrality) at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}\approx$ 3 GeV. It is found that the global polarization increases with increasing width of the rapidity window around the midrapidity.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures, extended version accepted by PRC