Search for collectivity with azimuthal J/ψ-hadron correlations in high multiplicity p–Pb collisions at sNN=5.02 and 8.16 TeV

We present a measurement of azimuthal correlations between inclusive J/psi and charged hadrons in p-Pb collisions recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC. The J/psi are reconstructed at forward (p-going, 2.03 < y < 3.53) and backward (Pb-going, -4.46 < y < -2.96) rapidity via their mu(+)mu(-) decay channel, while the charged hadrons are reconstructed at mid-rapidity (vertical bar eta vertical bar < 1.8). The correlations are expressed in terms of associated charged-hadron yields per W . trigger. A rapidity gap of at least 1.5 units is required between the trigger J/psi and the associated charged hadrons. Possible correlations due to collective effects are assessed by subtracting the associated per-trigger yields in the low-multiplicity collisions from those in the high-multiplicity collisions. After the subtraction, we observe a strong indication of remaining symmetric structures at Delta phi approximate to 0 and Delta phi approximate to pi), similar to those previously found in two-particle correlations at middle and forward rapidity. The corresponding second-order Fourier coefficient (v(2) ) in the transverse momentum interval between 3 and 6 GeV/c is found to be positive with a significance of about 5 sigma. The obtained results are similar to the J/psi v(2) coefficients measured in Pb-Pb collisions at root s(NN) = 5.02 TeV, suggesting a common mechanism at the origin of the J/psi v(2) . (C) 2018 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V.