Spin alignment, tensor polarizabilities, and local equilibrium for spin-1 particles

Abstract: Different bases for the spin-1 density matrix are discussed to clarify the connection between its components and observables measured in heavy-ion collisions. The theoretical advantage of using the adjoint representation for spin matrices is emphasized. Next, the equilibrium spin density matrix and the corresponding Wigner function are introduced. With appropriate definitions of the energy-momentum and spin tensors, this framework allows for the formulation of perfect spin hydrodynamics in the same way as previously done for spin-1/2 particles. Together, these results provide a unified description of spin-1/2 and spin-1 particles.