Dual-polarization structure and nuclear structure effect on $\Lambda$ polarization

Abstract

We report a novel manifestation of spin-vorticity interplay in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Using $^{16}$O+$^{197}$Au at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=7.7$ GeV as a test case, we show that the $\Lambda$ hyperon exhibits a clear dual-polarization structure, observed here in central $^{16}$O + $^{197}$Au collisions for the first time. The polarization is further highly sensitive to the intrinsic nuclear geometry: different $\alpha$-cluster configurations of $^{16}$O, ranging from chain-like to tetrahedral, lead to distinct polarization patterns across centralities. In particular, the backward rapidity region and peripheral events display striking structure-dependent variations, including opposite angular distributions of local polarizations $P_x$ and $P_y$ compared with a spherical reference. These findings reveal that nuclear clustering leaves measurable imprints on hyperon spin alignment in relativistic collisions. Our results open a promising avenue for probing nuclear structure in short-lived systems and highlight a new spin-sensitive mechanism relevant for upcoming experiments at RHIC and future facilities.