The first measurements of $\mathrm{K^{*}(892)^{0}}$ resonance production as a function of charged-particle multiplicity in Xe$-$Xe collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=$ 5.44 TeV and pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=$ 5.02 TeV using the ALICE detector are presented. The resonance is reconstructed at midrapidity ($|y|< 0.5$) using the hadronic decay channel $\mathrm{K^{*0}} \rightarrow \mathrm{K^{\pm} \pi^{\mp}}$. Measurements of transverse-momentum integrated yield, mean transverse-momentum, nuclear modification factor of $\mathrm{K^{*0}}$, and yield ratios of resonance to stable hadron ($\mathrm{K^{*0}}$/K) are compared across different collision systems (pp, p$-$Pb, Xe$-$Xe, and Pb$-$Pb) at similar collision energies to investigate how the production of $\mathrm{K^{*0}}$ resonances depends on the size of the system formed in these collisions. The hadronic rescattering effect is found to be independent of the size of colliding systems and mainly driven by the produced charged-particle multiplicity, which is a proxy of the volume of produced matter at the chemical freeze-out. In addition, the production yields of $\mathrm{K^{*0}}$ in Xe$-$Xe collisions are utilized to constrain the dependence of the kinetic freeze-out temperature on the system size using HRG-PCE model.
$p_{\rm T}$-distributions of $\rm{K}^{*}$ (average of particle and anti-particle) meson measured in pp collisions at \sqrt{s}$ = 5.02 TeV for 0-1\% multiplicity class.
$p_{\rm T}$-distributions of $\rm{K}^{*}$ (average of particle and anti-particle) meson measured in pp collisions at \sqrt{s}$ = 5.02 TeV for 1-5\% multiplicity class.
$p_{\rm T}$-distributions of $\rm{K}^{*}$ (average of particle and anti-particle) meson measured in pp collisions at \sqrt{s}$ = 5.02 TeV for 5-10\% multiplicity class.
The production cross sections of $\mathrm {D^0}$, $\mathrm {D^+}$, and $\mathrm {\Lambda_{c}^{+}}$ hadrons originating from beauty-hadron decays (i.e. non-prompt) were measured for the first time at midrapidity in proton$-$lead (p$-$Pb) collisions at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. Nuclear modification factors ($R_{\mathrm {pPb}}$) of non-prompt $\mathrm {D^0}$, $\mathrm {D^+}$, and $\mathrm {\Lambda_{c}^{+}}$ are calculated as a function of the transverse momentum ($p_{\mathrm T}$) to investigate the modification of the momentum spectra measured in p$-$Pb collisions with respect to those measured in proton$-$proton (pp) collisions at the same energy. The $R_{\mathrm {pPb}}$ measurements are compatible with unity and with the measurements in the prompt charm sector, and do not show a significant $p_{\mathrm T}$ dependence. The $p_{\mathrm T}$-integrated cross sections and $p_{\mathrm T}$-integrated $R_{\mathrm {pPb}}$ of non-prompt $\mathrm {D^0}$ and $\mathrm {D^+}$ mesons are also computed by extrapolating the visible cross sections down to $p_{\mathrm T}$ = 0. The non-prompt D-meson $R_{\mathrm {pPb}}$ integrated over $p_{\mathrm T}$ is compatible with unity and with model calculations implementing modification of the parton distribution functions of nucleons bound in nuclei with respect to free nucleons. The non-prompt $\mathrm {\Lambda_{c}^{+}/D^{0}}$ and $\mathrm{D^+/D^0}$ production ratios are computed to investigate hadronisation mechanisms of beauty quarks into mesons and baryons. The measured ratios as a function of $p_{\mathrm T}$ display a similar trend to that measured for charm hadrons in the same collision system.
Non-prompt $\mathrm{D}^0$ $p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production cross section $\mathrm{d}^2\sigma/\mathrm{d}p_\mathrm{T}\mathrm{d}y$ in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{{s_\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $-0.96 < y_{\mathrm{cms}} < 0.04$.
Non-prompt $\mathrm{D}^+$ $p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production cross section $\mathrm{d}^2\sigma/\mathrm{d}p_\mathrm{T}\mathrm{d}y$ in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{{s_\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $-0.96 < y_{\mathrm{cms}} < 0.04$.
Non-prompt $\Lambda_{c}^{+}$ $p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production cross section $\mathrm{d}^2\sigma/\mathrm{d}p_\mathrm{T}\mathrm{d}y$ in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{{s_\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $-0.96 < y_{\mathrm{cms}} < 0.04$.
This Letter presents the first measurement of event-by-event fluctuations of the net number (difference between the particle and antiparticle multiplicities) of multistrange hadrons $\Xi^-$ and $\overline{\Xi}^+$ and its correlation with the net-kaon number using the data collected by the ALICE Collaboration in pp, p$-$Pb, and Pb$-$Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02\ \mathrm{TeV}$. The statistical hadronization model with a correlation over three units of rapidity between hadrons having the same and opposite strangeness content successfully describes the results. On the other hand, string-fragmentation models that mainly correlate strange hadrons with opposite strange quark content over a small rapidity range fail to describe the data.
Pearson correlation coefficient between the net-$\Xi$ number and net-K number, $\rho_{\Delta\Xi\Delta\mathrm{K}}$, in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 5.02$ TeV
Pearson correlation coefficient between the net-$\Xi$ number and net-K number, $\rho_{\Delta\Xi\Delta\mathrm{K}}$, in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV
Pearson correlation coefficient between the net-$\Xi$ number and net-K number, $\rho_{\Delta\Xi\Delta\mathrm{K}}$, in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV
Measurements of the $p_{\rm T}$-dependent flow vector fluctuations in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}} = 5.02~\mathrm{TeV}$ using azimuthal correlations with the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider are presented. A four-particle correlation approach [1] is used to quantify the effects of flow angle and magnitude fluctuations separately. This paper extends previous studies to additional centrality intervals and provides measurements of the $p_{\rm T}$-dependent flow vector fluctuations at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}} = 5.02~\mathrm{TeV}$ with two-particle correlations. Significant $p_{\rm T}$-dependent fluctuations of the $\vec{V}_{2}$ flow vector in Pb-Pb collisions are found across different centrality ranges, with the largest fluctuations of up to $\sim$15% being present in the 5% most central collisions. In parallel, no evidence of significant $p_{\rm T}$-dependent fluctuations of $\vec{V}_{3}$ or $\vec{V}_{4}$ is found. Additionally, evidence of flow angle and magnitude fluctuations is observed with more than $5\sigma$ significance in central collisions. These observations in Pb-Pb collisions indicate where the classical picture of hydrodynamic modeling with a common symmetry plane breaks down. This has implications for hard probes at high $p_{\rm T}$, which might be biased by $p_{\rm T}$-dependent flow angle fluctuations of at least 23% in central collisions. Given the presented results, existing theoretical models should be re-examined to improve our understanding of initial conditions, quark--gluon plasma properties, and the dynamic evolution of the created system.
The ratio $v_{2}{2}/v_2[2]$ as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ in different centrality intervals
The ratio $v_{3}{2}/v_3[2]$ as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ in different centrality intervals
The ratio $v_{4}{2}/v_4[2]$ as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ in different centrality intervals
The first measurements of dielectron production at midrapidity ($|\eta_{c}|<0.8$) in proton-proton and proton-lead collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 5.02 TeV at the LHC are presented. The dielectron cross section is measured with the ALICE detector as a function of the invariant mass $m_{\rm{ee}}$ and the pair transverse momentum $p_{\rm{T,ee}}$ in the ranges $m_{\rm{ee}}$ < 3.5 GeV/$c^{2}$ and $p_{\rm{T,ee}}$ < 8.0 GeV/$c^{2}$, in both collision systems. In proton-proton collisions, the charm and beauty cross sections are determined at midrapidity from a fit to the data with two different event generators. This complements the existing dielectron measurements performed at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 and 13 TeV. The slope of the $\sqrt{s}$ dependence of the three measurements is described by FONLL calculations. The dielectron cross section measured in proton-lead collisions is in agreement, within the current precision, with the expected dielectron production without any nuclear matter effects for $\rm{e}^{+}\rm{e}^{-}$ pairs from open heavy-flavor hadron decays. For the first time at LHC energies, the dielectron production in proton-lead and proton-proton collisions are directly compared at the same $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ via the dielectron nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm{pPb}}$. The measurements are compared to model calculations including cold nuclear matter effects, or additional sources of dielectrons from thermal radiation.
Charm production cross section at midrapidity
In this Letter, the first evidence of the ${}^4_{\bar{\Lambda}}\overline{\mathrm{He}}$ antihypernucleus is presented, along with the first measurement at the LHC of the production of (anti)hypernuclei with mass number $A=4$, specifically (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$ and (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$. In addition, the antiparticle-to-particle ratios for both hypernuclei (${}^4_{\bar{\Lambda}}\overline{\mathrm{H}}$ / ${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$~and ${}^4_{\bar{\Lambda}}\overline{\mathrm{He}}$ / ${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$) are shown, which are sensitive to the baryochemical potential of the strongly-interacting matter created in heavy-ion collisions. The results are obtained from a data sample of central Pb--Pb collisions, collected during the 2018 LHC data-taking at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = $ 5.02 TeV. The yields measured for the average of the charge-conjugated states are found to be $[0.78 \; \pm \; 0.19 \; \mathrm{(stat.)} \; \pm \; 0.17 \; \mathrm{(syst.)}] \times 10^{-6}$ for the (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$ and $[1.08 \; \pm \; 0.34 \; \mathrm{(stat.)} \; \pm \; 0.20 \; \mathrm{(syst.)}] \times 10^{-6}$ for the (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$, and the measured antiparticle-to-particle ratios are in agreement with unity. The presence of (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$ and (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$ excited states is expected to strongly enhance the production yield of these hypernuclei. The yield values exhibit a combined deviation of 3.3$\sigma$ from the theoretical ground-state-only expectation, while the inclusion of the excited states in the calculations leads to an agreement within 0.6$\sigma$ with the present measurements. Additionally, the measured (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$ and (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$ masses are compatible with the world-average values within the uncertainties.
average pT-integrated yield of particle and antiparticle of both analyzed (anti)hypernuclei in Pb-Pb collisions in 0-10% V0M centrality class
mass measurement of both analyzed (anti)hypernuclei in Pb-Pb collisions in 0-10% V0M centrality class
antiparticle-to-particle ratio of the analyzed (anti)hypernuclei in Pb-Pb collisions in 0-10% V0M centrality class
Short-range correlations between charged particles are studied via two-particle angular correlations in pp collisions at ${\sqrt{{\textit s}}}=13$~TeV. The correlation functions are measured as a function of the relative azimuthal angle $\Delta\varphi$ and the pseudorapidity separation $\Delta\eta$ for pairs of primary charged particles within the pseudorapidity interval $|\eta| < 0.9$ and the transverse-momentum range $1 < p_{\rm T} < 8$ GeV/$c$. Near-side ($|\Delta\varphi|<1.3$) peak widths are extracted from a generalised Gaussian fitted over the correlations in full pseudorapidity separation ($|\Delta\eta|<1.8$), while the per-trigger associated near-side yields are extracted for the short-range correlations ($|\Delta\eta|<1.3$). Both are evaluated as a function of charged-particle multiplicity obtained by two different event activity estimators. The width of the near-side peak decreases with increasing multiplicity, and this trend is reproduced qualitatively by the Monte Carlo event generators PYTHIA 8, AMPT, and EPOS. However, the models overestimate the width in the low transverse-momentum region ($p_{\rm T} < 3$ GeV/$c$). The per-trigger associated near-side yield increases with increasing multiplicity. Although this trend is also captured qualitatively by the considered event generators, the yield is mostly overestimated by the models in the considered kinematic range. The measurement of the shape and yield of the short-range correlation peak can help us understand the interplay between jet fragmentation and event activity, quantify the narrowing trend of the near-side peak as a function of transverse momentum and multiplicity selections in pp collisions, and search for final-state jet modification in small collision systems.
Multiplicity dependence of the near-side width $\sigma$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 13$ TeV. Obtained in transverse momentum intervals $1.0 < p_\mathrm{T, assoc} < p_\mathrm{T, trig} < 2.0$ GeV/$c$. The multiplicity is estimated with midrapidity multiplicity estimator ($|\eta|<1.0,\,p_\mathrm{T}>0.2$ GeV/$c$).
Multiplicity dependence of the near-side width $\sigma$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 13$ TeV. Obtained in transverse momentum intervals $2.0 < p_\mathrm{T, trig} < 3.0$ GeV/$c$ and $1.0 < p_\mathrm{T, assoc} < 2.0$ GeV/$c$. The mulitplicity is estimated with midrapidity multiplicity estimator ($|\eta|<1.0,\,p_\mathrm{T}>0.2$ GeV/$c$).
Multiplicity dependence of the near-side width $\sigma$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 13$ TeV. Obtained in transverse momentum intervals $2.0 < p_\mathrm{T, assoc} < p_\mathrm{T, trig} < 3.0$ GeV/$c$. The multiplicity is estimated with midrapidity multiplicity estimator ($|\eta|<1.0,\,p_\mathrm{T}>0.2$ GeV/$c$).
The ALICE Collaboration at the CERN LHC has measured the inclusive production cross section of isolated photons at midrapidity as a function of the photon transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}^{\gamma}$), in Pb$-$Pb collisions in different centrality intervals, and in pp collisions, at centre-of-momentum energy per nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV. The photon transverse momentum range is between 10-14 and 40-140 GeV/$c$, depending on the collision system and on the Pb$-$Pb centrality class. The result extends to lower $p_{\rm T}^{\gamma}$ than previously published results by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the same collision energy. The covered pseudorapidity range is $|\eta^{\gamma}| <0.67$. The isolation selection is based on a charged particle isolation momentum threshold $p_{\rm T}^{\rm iso,~ch} = 1.5$ GeV/$c$ within a cone of radii $R=0.2$ and $0.4$. The nuclear modification factor is calculated and found to be consistent with unity in all centrality classes, and also consistent with the HG-PYTHIA model, which describes the event selection and geometry biases that affect the centrality determination in peripheral Pb$-$Pb collisions. The measurement is compared to next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations and to the measurements of isolated photons and Z$^0$ bosons from the CMS experiment, which are all found to be in agreement.
Isolated-photon differential cross section measured in pp and Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{TeV}$ for five Pb$-$Pb centrality classes for $R=0.2$. Note that the Pb$-$Pb data in the first five columns is scaled by $\langle N_{\mathrm{coll}} \rangle$, unlike in the figure in the paper where the theory was scaled by $\langle N_{\mathrm{coll}} \rangle$. Last two columns correspond to theory NLO pQCD calculations with JETPHOX, for pp (PDF) and Pb$-$Pb (nPDF) collisions calculated for the 0$-$100% centrality class. Data statistical and systematic uncertainties are provided. The theory scale and PDF uncertainties are provided. The data normalisation uncertainties are provided in the paper.
Isolated-photon differential cross section measured in pp and Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{TeV}$ for five Pb$-$Pb centrality classes for $R=0.4$. Note that the Pb$-$Pb data in the first five columns is scaled by $\langle N_{\mathrm{coll}} \rangle$, unlike in the figure in the paper where the theory was scaled by $\langle N_{\mathrm{coll}} \rangle$. Last two columns correspond to theory NLO pQCD calculations with JETPHOX, for pp (PDF) and Pb$-$Pb (nPDF) collisions calculated for the 0$-$100% centrality class. Data statistical and systematic uncertainties are provided. The theory scale and PDF uncertainties are provided. The data normalisation uncertainties are provided in the paper.
Ratio of isolated-photon cross section measured with $R=0.4$ over $R=0.2$ for Pb$-$Pb and pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{TeV}$. Each column for each Pb$-$Pb collisions centrality class and for pp collisions. The last two columns for the NLO pQCD JETPHOX calculations for pp (PDF) and Pb$-$Pb (nPDF) collisions. Data statistical and systematic uncertainties are provided. The theory statiscal (Monte Carlo approach) and PDF uncertainties are provided.
Differential two-particle normalized cumulants ($R_2$) and transverse momentum correlations ($P_2$) are measured as a function of the relative pseudorapidity and azimuthal angle difference $( \Delta \eta, \Delta \varphi )$ of charged particle pairs in minimum bias pp collisions at $\sqrt{\textit{s}}$ = 13 TeV. The measurements use charged hadrons in the pseudorapidity region of $|\eta| < 0.8$ and the transverse momentum range 0.2 $< \textit{p}_{\mathrm T} < $ 2.0 $\mathrm{GeV}/\textit{c}$ in order to focus on soft multiparticle interactions and to complement prior measurements of these correlation functions in p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions. The correlation functions are reported for both unlike-sign and like-sign pairs and their charge-independent and charge-dependent combinations. Both the $R_2$ and $P_2$ measured in pp collisions exhibit features qualitatively similar to those observed in p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions. The $\Delta\eta$ and $\Delta\varphi$ root mean square widths of the near-side peak of the correlation functions are evaluated and compared with those observed in p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions and show smooth evolution with the multiplicity of charged particles produced in the collision. The comparison of the measured correlation functions with predictions from PYTHIA8 shows that this model qualitatively captures their basic structure and characteristics but feature important differences. In addition, the $R_2^{\rm CD}$ is used to determine the charge balance function of hadrons produced within the detector acceptance of the measurements. The integral of the balance function is found to be compatible with those reported by a previous measurement in Pb-Pb collisions. These results, which are sensitive to the interplay between the underlying event and mini-jets in pp collisions, establish a baseline for heavy-ion collisions.
Correlation functions $R_2^{\rm US}$ of charged hadrons measured in minimum bias pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13\;\text{TeV}$. Charged hadrons are selected in the range $0.2 < p_{\rm T} < 2.0$ GeV/$c$ and with pseudorapidity $|\eta| < 0.8$.
Correlation functions $R_2^{\rm LS}$ of charged hadrons measured in minimum bias pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13\;\text{TeV}$. Charged hadrons are selected in the range $0.2 < p_{\rm T} < 2.0$ GeV/$c$ and with pseudorapidity $|\eta| < 0.8$.
Correlation functions $P_2^{\rm US}$ of charged hadrons measured in minimum bias pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13\;\text{TeV}$. Charged hadrons are selected in the range $0.2 < p_{\rm T} < 2.0$ GeV/$c$ and with pseudorapidity $|\eta| < 0.8$.
This work aims to differentiate strangeness produced from hard processes (jet-like) and softer processes (underlying event) by measuring the angular correlation between a high-momentum trigger hadron (h) acting as a jet-proxy and a produced strange hadron ($\phi(1020)$ meson). Measuring h$-\phi$ correlations at midrapidity in p$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV as a function of event multiplicity provides insight into the microscopic origin of strangeness enhancement in small collision systems. The jet-like and the underlying-event-like strangeness production are investigated as a function of event multiplicity. They are also compared between a lower and higher momentum region. The evolutions of the per-trigger yields within the near-side (aligned with the trigger hadron) and away-side (in the opposite direction of the trigger hadron) jets are studied separately, allowing for the characterization of two distinct jet-like production regimes. Furthermore, the h$-\phi$ correlations within the underlying event give access to a production regime dominated by soft production processes, which can be compared directly to the in-jet production. Comparisons between h$-\phi$ and dihadron correlations show that the observed strangeness enhancement is largely driven by the underlying event, where the $\phi/\mathrm{h}$ ratio is significantly larger than within the jet regions. As multiplicity increases, the fraction of the total $\phi(1020)$ yield coming from jets decreases compared to the underlying event production, leading to high-multiplicity events being dominated by the increased strangeness production from the underlying event.
Pet-trigger h--$\phi$ and h--h pair yields within the near and away-side jet peaks as a function of charged particle multiplicity in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}$ = 5.02 TeV in the pseudorapidity region $|\eta|<0.8$. Pairs consist of a trigger hadron in the range $4.0 < p_{\mathrm{T, trig}} < 8.0 \mathrm{~GeV}/c$ and an associated $\phi$(1020) (h) in the range $1.5 < p_{\mathrm{T, assoc}} < 2.5 \mathrm{~GeV}/c$.
Pet-trigger h--$\phi$ and h--h pair yields within the near and away-side jet peaks as a function of charged particle multiplicity in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}$ = 5.02 TeV in the pseudorapidity region $|\eta|<0.8$. Pairs consist of a trigger hadron in the range $4.0 < p_{\mathrm{T, trig}} < 8.0 \mathrm{~GeV}/c$ and an associated $\phi$(1020) (h) in the range $2.5 < p_{\mathrm{T, assoc}} < 4.0 \mathrm{~GeV}/c$.
Pairwise (h--$\phi$)/(h--h) ratio vs $\langle N_{\mathrm{ch}} \rangle$ for the lower associated momentum range, $1.5 < p_{\mathrm{T, assoc}} < 2.5 \mathrm{~GeV}/c$ in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}$ = 5.02 TeV in the pseudorapidity region $|\eta|<0.8$.