An extended RΨm(2)(ΔS2) correlator for detecting and characterizing the Chiral Magnetic Wave

Abstract

The extended RΨm(2)(ΔS2) correlator is presented and examined for its efficacy to detect and characterize the quadrupole charge separation (ΔS2) associated with the purported Chiral Magnetic Wave (CMW) produced in heavy-ion collisions. Sensitivity tests involving varying degrees of charge separation injected into events simulated with the Multi-Phase Transport Model (AMPT) show that the RΨm(2)(ΔS2) correlators provide discernible responses for the background- and signal-driven quadrupole charge separation. This distinction could help identify CMW-induced quadrupole charge separation via measurements of the RΨ2(2)(ΔS2) and RΨ3(2)(ΔS2) correlators, relative to the second- (Ψ2) and third-order (Ψ3) event planes. The tests also indicate a sensitivity level that would allow for robust experimental characterization of possible CMW-induced charge separation.