Probing hadronization with the charge correlator ratio in $p$+$p$, $Ru$+$Ru$ and $Zr$+$Zr$ collisions at STAR

Abstract

The parton-to-hadron transition, known as hadronization, is dominated by non-perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) effects and thus challenging to study from first-principle calculations. On the other hand, experimental studies of observables sensitive to hadronization could provide valuable input. The charge correlator ratio $r_c$ studies the charge correlation between the leading two hadrons in jets and is sensitive to hadronization effects. With data taken at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}=200$ GeV at STAR, we measure $r_c$ in $p$+$p$ collisions to probe for string-like fragmentation, and in $Ru$+$Ru$ and $Zr$+$Zr$ collisions to probe for potential modification to hadronization in the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP). These measurements, compared with various model predictions, are expected to distinguish between phenomenological model descriptions for hadronization in vacuum, and provide insight into jet-medium interaction in the QGP.