Implications of CP-violating transitions in hot quark matter on heavy ion collisions

Abstract

Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) predicts that topological charge changing transitions will take place in hot quark matter. Such transitions induce P- and CP-violating effects. We will show that in the presence of a magnetic field these transitions can separate quarks according to their electric charge along the direction of the magnetic field. This is the so-called Chiral Magnetic Effect. We will argue that it might be possible to observe the Chiral Magnetic Effect in heavy ion collisions.