High-energy nuclear collisions create a quark-gluon plasma, whose initial condition and subsequent expansion vary from event to event, impacting the distribution of the event-wise average transverse momentum ($P([p_{\mathrm{T}}])$). Distinguishing between contributions from fluctuations in the size of the nuclear overlap area (geometrical component) and other sources at fixed size (intrinsic component) presents a challenge. Here, these two components are distinguished by measuring the mean, variance, and skewness of $P([p_{\mathrm{T}}])$ in $^{208}$Pb+$^{208}$Pb and $^{129}$Xe+$^{129}$Xe collisions at $\sqrt{s_{{\mathrm{NN}}}} = 5.02$ and 5.44 TeV, respectively, using the ATLAS detector at the LHC. All observables show distinct changes in behavior in ultra-central collisions, where the geometrical variations are suppressed as the overlap area reaches its maximum. These results demonstrate a new technique to disentangle geometrical and intrinsic fluctuations, enabling constraints on initial condition and properties of the quark-gluon plasma, such as the speed of sound.
Data from Figure 1, panel a, $\left\langle[p_{T}]\right\rangle$ vs $N_{ch}$ for Pb+Pb collisions, 0.5 $ <p_{T}< $ 5 GeV/c, $|\eta|< $ 2.5
Data from Figure 1, panel b, $\left\langle[p_{T}]\right\rangle$ vs $N_{ch}$ for Pb+Pb collisions, 0.5 $ <p_{T}< $ 5 GeV/c, $|\eta|< $ 2.5
Data from Figure 1, panel b, $\left\langle[p_{T}]\right\rangle$ vs $N_{ch}$ for Xe+Xe collisions, 0.5 $ <p_{T}< $ 5 GeV/c, $|\eta|< $ 2.5
Measurements of the suppression and correlations of dijets is performed using 3 $\mu$b$^{-1}$ of Xe+Xe data at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.44$ TeV collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Dijets with jets reconstructed using the $R=0.4$ anti-$k_t$ algorithm are measured differentially in jet $p_{\text{T}}$ over the range of 32 GeV to 398 GeV and the centrality of the collisions. Significant dijet momentum imbalance is found in the most central Xe+Xe collisions, which decreases in more peripheral collisions. Results from the measurement of per-pair normalized and absolutely normalized dijet $p_{\text{T}}$ balance are compared with previous Pb+Pb measurements at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} =5.02$ TeV. The differences between the dijet suppression in Xe+Xe and Pb+Pb are further quantified by the ratio of pair nuclear-modification factors. The results are found to be consistent with those measured in Pb+Pb data when compared in classes of the same event activity and when taking into account the difference between the center-of-mass energies of the initial parton scattering process in Xe+Xe and Pb+Pb collisions. These results should provide input for a better understanding of the role of energy density, system size, path length, and fluctuations in the parton energy loss.
The centrality intervals in Xe+Xe collisions and their corresponding TAA with absolute uncertainties.
The centrality intervals in Xe+Xe and Pb+Pb collisions for matching SUM ET FCAL intervals and respective TAA values for Xe+Xe collisions.
The performance of the jet energy scale (JES) for jets with $|y| < 2.1$ evaluated as a function of pT_truth in different centrality bins. Simulated hard scatter events were overlaid onto events from a dedicated sample of minimum-bias Xe+Xe data.
This paper presents measurements of charged-hadron spectra obtained in $pp$, $p$+Pb, and Pb+Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ or $\sqrt{s_{_\text{NN}}}=5.02$ TeV, and in Xe+Xe collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_\text{NN}}}=5.44$ TeV. The data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC have total integrated luminosities of 25 pb${}^{-1}$, 28 nb${}^{-1}$, 0.50 nb${}^{-1}$, and 3 $\mu$b${}^{-1}$, respectively. The nuclear modification factors $R_{p\text{Pb}}$ and $R_\text{AA}$ are obtained by comparing the spectra in heavy-ion and $pp$ collisions in a wide range of charged-particle transverse momenta and pseudorapidity. The nuclear modification factor $R_{p\text{Pb}}$ shows a moderate enhancement above unity with a maximum at $p_{\mathrm{T}} \approx 3$ GeV; the enhancement is stronger in the Pb-going direction. The nuclear modification factors in both Pb+Pb and Xe+Xe collisions feature a significant, centrality-dependent suppression. They show a similar distinct $p_{\mathrm{T}}$-dependence with a local maximum at $p_{\mathrm{T}} \approx 2$ GeV and a local minimum at $p_{\mathrm{T}} \approx 7$ GeV. This dependence is more distinguishable in more central collisions. No significant $|\eta|$-dependence is found. A comprehensive comparison with several theoretical predictions is also provided. They typically describe $R_\text{AA}$ better in central collisions and in the $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ range from about 10 to 100 GeV.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <br><b>charged-hadron spectra:</b> <br><i>pp reference:</i> <a href="?version=1&table=Table1">for p+Pb</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table10">for Pb+Pb</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table19">for Xe+Xe</a> <br><i>p+Pb:</i> <a href="?version=1&table=Table2">0-5%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table3">5-10%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table4">10-20%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table5">20-30%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table6">30-40%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table7">40-60%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table8">60-90%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table9">0-90%</a> <br><i>Pb+Pb:</i> <a href="?version=1&table=Table11">0-5%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table12">5-10%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table13">10-20%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table14">20-30%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table15">30-40%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table16">40-50%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table17">50-60%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table18">60-80%</a> <br><i>Xe+Xe:</i> <a href="?version=1&table=Table20">0-5%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table21">5-10%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table22">10-20%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table23">20-30%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table24">30-40%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table25">40-50%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table26">50-60%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table27">60-80%</a> </br>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <br><b>nuclear modification factors (p<sub>T</sub>):</b> <br><i>R<sub>pPb</sub>:</i> <a href="?version=1&table=Table28">0-5%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table29">5-10%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table30">10-20%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table31">20-30%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table32">30-40%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table33">40-60%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table34">60-90%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table35">0-90%</a> <br><i>R<sub>AA</sub> (Pb+Pb):</i> <a href="?version=1&table=Table36">0-5%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table37">5-10%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table38">10-20%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table39">20-30%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table40">30-40%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table41">40-50%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table42">50-60%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table43">60-80%</a> <br><i>R<sub>AA</sub> (Xe+Xe):</i> <a href="?version=1&table=Table44">0-5%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table45">5-10%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table46">10-20%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table47">20-30%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table48">30-40%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table49">40-50%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table50">50-60%</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table51">60-80%</a> </br>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <br><b>nuclear modification factors (y*/eta):</b> <br><i>R<sub>pPb</sub>:</i> <br> 0-5%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table52">0.66-0.755GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table53">2.95-3.35GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table54">7.65-8.8GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table55">15.1-17.3GeV</a> <br> 5-10%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table56">0.66-0.755GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table57">2.95-3.35GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table58">7.65-8.8GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table59">15.1-17.3GeV</a> <br> 10-20%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table60">0.66-0.755GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table61">2.95-3.35GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table62">7.65-8.8GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table63">15.1-17.3GeV</a> <br> 20-30%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table64">0.66-0.755GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table65">2.95-3.35GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table66">7.65-8.8GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table67">15.1-17.3GeV</a> <br> 30-40%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table68">0.66-0.755GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table69">2.95-3.35GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table70">7.65-8.8GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table71">15.1-17.3GeV</a> <br> 40-60%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table72">0.66-0.755GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table73">2.95-3.35GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table74">7.65-8.8GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table75">15.1-17.3GeV</a> <br> 60-90%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table76">0.66-0.755GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table77">2.95-3.35GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table78">7.65-8.8GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table79">15.1-17.3GeV</a> <br> 0-90%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table80">0.66-0.755GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table81">2.95-3.35GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table82">7.65-8.8GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table83">15.1-17.3GeV</a> <br><i>R<sub>AA</sub> (Pb+Pb):</i> <br> 0-5%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table84">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table85">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table86">20-23GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table87">60-95GeV</a> <br> 5-10%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table88">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table89">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table90">20-23GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table91">60-95GeV</a> <br> 10-20%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table92">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table93">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table94">20-23GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table95">60-95GeV</a> <br> 20-30%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table96">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table97">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table98">20-23GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table99">60-95GeV</a> <br> 30-40%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table100">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table101">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table102">20-23GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table103">60-95GeV</a> <br> 40-50%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table104">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table105">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table106">20-23GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table107">60-95GeV</a> <br> 50-60%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table108">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table109">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table110">20-23GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table111">60-95GeV</a> <br> 60-80%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table112">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table113">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table114">20-23GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table115">60-95GeV</a> <br><i>R<sub>AA</sub> (Xe+Xe):</i> <br> 0-5%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table116">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table117">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table118">20-23GeV</a> <br> 5-10%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table119">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table120">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table121">20-23GeV</a> <br> 10-20%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table122">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table123">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table124">20-23GeV</a> <br> 20-30%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table125">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table126">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table127">20-23GeV</a> <br> 30-40%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table128">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table129">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table130">20-23GeV</a> <br> 40-50%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table131">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table132">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table133">20-23GeV</a> <br> 50-60%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table134">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table135">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table136">20-23GeV</a> <br> 60-80%: <a href="?version=1&table=Table137">1.7-1.95GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table138">6.7-7.65GeV</a> <a href="?version=1&table=Table139">20-23GeV</a> <br>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Charged-hadron cross-section in pp collisions. The systematic uncertainties are described in the section 7 of the paper. The total systematic uncertainties are determined by adding the contributions from all relevant sources in quadrature.
Charged-hadron spectrum in the centrality interval 0-5% for p+Pb, divided by 〈TPPB〉. The systematic uncertainties are described in the section 7 of the paper. The total systematic uncertainties are determined by adding the contributions from all relevant sources in quadrature.
The correlations between flow harmonics $v_n$ for $n=2$, 3 and 4 and mean transverse momentum $[p_\mathrm{T}]$ in $^{129}$Xe+$^{129}$Xe and $^{208}$Pb+$^{208}$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.44$ TeV and 5.02 TeV, respectively, are measured using charged particles with the ATLAS detector. The correlations are sensitive to the shape and size of the initial geometry, nuclear deformation, and initial momentum anisotropy. The effects from non-flow and centrality fluctuations are minimized, respectively, via a subevent cumulant method and event activity selection based on particle production in the very forward rapidity. The results show strong dependences on centrality, harmonic number $n$, $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ and pseudorapidity range. Current models describe qualitatively the overall centrality- and system-dependent trends but fail to quantitatively reproduce all the data. In the central collisions, where models generally show good agreement, the $v_2$-$[p_\mathrm{T}]$ correlations are sensitive to the triaxiality of the quadruple deformation. The comparison of model to the Pb+Pb and Xe+Xe data suggests that the $^{129}$Xe nucleus is a highly deformed triaxial ellipsoid that is neither a prolate nor an oblate shape. This provides strong evidence for a triaxial deformation of $^{129}$Xe nucleus using high-energy heavy-ion collision.
$\rho_{2}$ Standard method, for Pb+Pb 5.02 TeV, $|\eta|$<2.5, 0.5< $p_{T}$ <5.0 GeV vs $\Sigma E_{T}$ based Centrality
$\rho_{2}$ Two_subevent method, for Pb+Pb 5.02 TeV, $|\eta|$<2.5, 0.5< $p_{T}$ <5.0 GeV vs $\Sigma E_{T}$ based Centrality
$\rho_{2}$ Three_subevent method, for Pb+Pb 5.02 TeV, $|\eta|$<2.5, 0.5< $p_{T}$ <5.0 GeV vs $\Sigma E_{T}$ based Centrality
The NA61/SHINE experiment at the CERN SPS is performing a uniqe study of the phase diagram of strongly interacting matter by varying collision energy and nuclear mass number of colliding nuclei. In central Pb+Pb collisions the NA49 experiment found structures in the energy dependence of several observables in the CERN SPS energy range that had been predicted for the transition to a deconfined phase. New measurements of NA61/SHINE find intriguing similarities in p+p interactions for which no deconfinement transition is expected at SPS energies. Possible implications will be discussed.
K+/PI+ at y=0.
K+/PI+ at y=0.
<K+>/<PI+>.
Measurements of the pseudorapidity distributions of charged hadrons produced in xenon-xenon collisions at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}} =$ 5.44 TeV are presented. The measurements are based on data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The yield of primary charged hadrons produced in xenon-xenon collisions in the pseudorapidity range $|\eta|$ $<$ 3.2 is determined using the silicon pixel detector in the CMS tracking system. For the 5% most central collisions, the charged-hadron pseudorapidity density in the midrapidity region $|\eta|$ $<$ 0.5 is found to be 1187 $\pm$ 36 (syst), with a negligible statistical uncertainty. The rapidity distribution of charged hadrons is also presented in the range $|y|$ $<$ 3.2 and is found to be independent of rapidity around $y =$ 0. Existing Monte-Carlo event generators are unable to simultaneously describe both results. Comparisons of charged-hadron multiplicities between xenon-xenon and lead-lead collisions at similar collision energies show that particle production at midrapidity is strongly dependent on the collision geometry in addition to the system size and collision energy.
Averaged and symmetrised charged-hadron pseudorapidity density distributions in XeXe collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 5.44$ TeV, for events in the 0--80\%, 0--5\%, and 50--55\% centrality intervals. The total uncertainty is dominated by the systematic uncertainty, and statistical uncertainties are negligible.
Averaged and symmetrised charged-hadron rapidity density distributions in XeXe collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 5.44$ TeV, for events in the 0--80\% centrality interval. The total uncertainty is dominated by the systematic uncertainty, and statistical uncertainties are negligible.
Charged-hadron pseudorapidity density in XeXe collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 5.44$ TeV at midrapidity as a function of event centrality. The total uncertainty is dominated by the systematic uncertainty, and statistical uncertainties are negligible.
The differential yields of charged particles having pseudorapidity within $|\eta|<$ 1 are measured using xenon-xenon (XeXe) collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.44 TeV. The data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.42 $\mu$b$^{-1}$, were collected in 2017 by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The yields are reported as functions of collision centrality and transverse momentum, $p_\mathrm{T}$, from 0.5 to 100 GeV. A previously reported $p_\mathrm{T}$ spectrum from proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 5.02 TeV is used for comparison after correcting for the difference in center-of-mass energy. The nuclear modification factors using this reference, $R_\mathrm{AA}^*$, are constructed and compared to previous measurements and theoretical predictions. In head-on collisions, the $R_\mathrm{AA}^*$ has a value of 0.17 in the $p_\mathrm{T}$ range of 6-8 GeV, but increases to approximately 0.7 at 100 GeV. Above $\approx$ 6 GeV, the XeXe data show a notably smaller suppression than previous results for lead-lead (PbPb) collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV when compared at the same centrality (i.e., the same fraction of total cross section). However, the XeXe suppression is slightly greater than that for PbPb in events having a similar number of participating nucleons.
The per-event differential invariant yield of charged particles having |eta|<1 in XeXe collisions at sqrt(s_NN)=5.44 TeV. The first systematic uncertainty describes uncertainties that are not fully correlated across points, while the second systematic uncertainty is a normalization uncertainty that is fully correlated across all points. Bins where no data point has been reported are denoted as 'empty'.
The per-event differential invariant yield of charged particles having |eta|<1 in pp collisions at sqrt(s)=5.44 TeV, after extrpolation from 5.02 TeV data. The first systematic uncertainty describes uncertainties that are not fully correlated across points, while the second systematic uncertainty is a normalization uncertainty that is fully correlated across all points. The data is measured and extrapolated as a differential cross section, and transformed into a differential yield using an inelastic cross-section of 70 mb.
The nuclear modification factor of charged particles having |eta|<1 in XeXe collisions at sqrt(s_NN)=5.44 TeV. The first systematic uncertainty describes uncertainties that are not fully correlated across points, while the second systematic uncertainty is a normalization uncertainty that is fully correlated across all points. Bins where no data point has been reported are denoted as 'empty'.
The elliptic azimuthal anisotropy coefficient ($v_2$) is measured for charm (D$^0$) and strange (K$_\mathrm{S}^0$, $\Lambda$, $\Xi^-$, and $\Omega^-$) hadrons, using a data sample of pPb collisions collected by the CMS experiment, at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{_\mathrm{NN}}} =$ 8.16 TeV. A significant positive $v_2$ signal from long-range azimuthal correlations is observed for all particle species in high-multiplicity pPb collisions. The measurement represents the first observation of possible long-range collectivity for open heavy flavor hadrons in small systems. The results suggest that charm quarks have a smaller $v_2$ than the lighter quarks, probably reflecting a weaker collective behavior. This effect is not seen in the larger PbPb collision system at $\sqrt{s_{_\mathrm{NN}}} =$ 5.02 TeV, also presented.
The elliptic flow, $v_{2}$, for $K^{0}_{S}$ as a function of $p_{T}$ in pPb collision at 8.16 TeV.
The elliptic flow, $v_{2}$, for $\Lambda$ as a function of $p_{T}$ in pPb collision at 8.16 TeV.
The elliptic flow, $v_{2}$, for $\Xi^{-}$ as a function of $p_{T}$ in pPb collision at 8.16 TeV.
The azimuthal anisotropy Fourier coefficients ($v_n$) in 8.16 TeV pPb data are extracted via long-range two-particle correlations as a function of event multiplicity and compared to corresponding results in pp and PbPb collisions. Using a four-particle cumulant technique, $v_n$ correlations are measured for the first time in pp and pPb collisions. The $v_2$ and $v_4$ coefficients are found to be positively correlated in all collision systems. For high multiplicity pPb collisions an anticorrelation of $v_2$ and $v_3$ is observed, with a similar correlation strength as in PbPb data at the same multiplicity. The new correlation results strengthen the case for a common origin of the collectivity seen in pPb and PbPb collisions in the measured multiplicity range.
The $v_{n}$ result from 2-particle correlation as a function of multiplicity ($N_{trk}^{offline}$) in PbPb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV. Results after low-multiplicity subtraction are denoted as $v_{n}^{sub}$.
The $v_{n}$ result from 2-particle correlation as a function of multiplicity ($N_{trk}^{offline}$) in pPb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 8.16 TeV. Results after low-multiplicity subtraction are denoted as $v_{n}^{sub}$.
The $v_{4}$ result from 2-particle correlation as a function of multiplicity ($N_{trk}^{offline}$) in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13.00 TeV. Results after low-multiplicity subtraction are denoted as $v_{4}^{sub}$.
Charge-dependent azimuthal correlations of same- and opposite-sign pairs with respect to the second- and third-order event planes have been measured in pPb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}} =$ 8.16 TeV and PbPb collisions at 5.02 TeV with the CMS experiment at the LHC. The measurement is motivated by the search for the charge separation phenomenon predicted by the chiral magnetic effect (CME) in heavy ion collisions. Three- and two-particle azimuthal correlators are extracted as functions of the pseudorapidity difference, the transverse momentum ($p_\mathrm{t}$) difference, and the $p_\mathrm{t}$ average of same- and opposite-charge pairs in various event multiplicity ranges. The data suggest that the charge-dependent three-particle correlators with respect to the second- and third-order event planes share a common origin, predominantly arising from charge-dependent two-particle azimuthal correlations coupled with an anisotropic flow. The CME is expected to lead to a $v_2$-independent three-particle correlation when the magnetic field is fixed. Using an event shape engineering technique, upper limits on the $v_2$-independent fraction of the three-particle correlator are estimated to be 13% for pPb and 7% for PbPb collisions at 95% confidence level. The results of this analysis, both the dominance of two-particle correlations as a source of the three-particle results and the similarities seen between PbPb and pPb, provide stringent constraints on the origin of charge-dependent three-particle azimuthal correlations and challenge their interpretation as arising from a chiral magnetic effect in heavy ion collisions.
Three-particle correlation with respect to the 2nd order event plane from Pb-going side in pPb collisions.
Three-particle correlation with respect to the 2nd order event plane from p-going side in pPb collisions.
Three-particle correlation with respect to the 2nd order event plane in PbPb collisions.