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

Abstract The extended R Ψ m ( 2 ) ( Δ S 2 ) correlator is presented and examined for its efficacy to detect and characterize the quadrupole charge separation ( Δ S 2 ) 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 R Ψ m ( 2 ) ( Δ S 2 ) 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 R Ψ 2 ( 2 ) ( Δ S 2 ) and R Ψ 3 ( 2 ) ( Δ S 2 ) correlators, relative to the second- ( Ψ 2 ) and third-order ( Ψ 3 ) event planes. The tests also indicate a sensitivity level that would allow for robust experimental characterization of possible CMW-induced charge separation.