Polarized Beam Jets

Abstract

Handedness and a left-right asymmetry have been proposed as methods of probing the polarization of hard jets. If the analyzing powers for these observables are substantial they would provide useful tools for probing polarized hard scattering. This paper proposes that comparing these to the corresponding quantities in beam jets in polarized hadron-hadron collisions would be useful. These would shed light on the similarities and differences between the fragmentation of hard and soft jets. They would also suggest whether there is any useful possibility of measuring jet polarization. The left-right asymmetry of beam jets has already been measured and is large. But measurements of the handedness of beam jets have still to be done. They could be done in an upgraded HERMES detector at HERA.