The STAR Collaboration reports on the photoproduction of $\pi^+\pi^-$ pairs in gold-gold collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV/nucleon-pair. These pion pairs are produced when a nearly-real photon emitted by one ion scatters from the other ion. We fit the $\pi^+\pi^-$ invariant mass spectrum with a combination of $\rho$ and $\omega$ resonances and a direct $\pi^+\pi^-$ continuum. This is the first observation of the $\omega$ in ultra-peripheral collisions, and the first measurement of $\rho-\omega$ interference at energies where photoproduction is dominated by Pomeron exchange. The $\omega$ amplitude is consistent with the measured $\gamma p\rightarrow \omega p$ cross section, a classical Glauber calculation and the $\omega\rightarrow\pi^+\pi^-$ branching ratio. The $\omega$ phase angle is similar to that observed at much lower energies, showing that the $\rho-\omega$ phase difference does not depend significantly on photon energy. The $\rho^0$ differential cross section $d\sigma/dt$ exhibits a clear diffraction pattern, compatible with scattering from a gold nucleus, with 2 minima visible. The positions of the diffractive minima agree better with the predictions of a quantum Glauber calculation that does not include nuclear shadowing than with a calculation that does include shadowing.
The $\pi^+\pi^-$ invariant-mass distribution for all selected $\pi\pi$ candidates with $p_T~<~100~\textrm{MeV}/c$.
The ratio $|B/A|$ of amplitudes of nonresonant $\pi^+\pi^-$ and $\rho^0$ mesons in the present STAR analysis.
The ratio $|B/A|$ of amplitudes of nonresonant $\pi^+\pi^-$ and $\rho^0$ mesons in the previous STAR analysis, Phys. Rev. C 77 034910 (2008).
The STAR collaboration at RHIC reports measurements of the inclusive yield of non-photonic electrons, which arise dominantly from semi-leptonic decays of heavy flavor mesons, over a broad range of transverse momenta ($1.2 < \pt < 10$ \gevc) in \pp, \dAu, and \AuAu collisions at \sqrtsNN = 200 GeV. The non-photonic electron yield exhibits unexpectedly large suppression in central \AuAu collisions at high \pt, suggesting substantial heavy quark energy loss at RHIC. The centrality and \pt dependences of the suppression provide constraints on theoretical models of suppression.
Non photonic electron yield in P+P collisions versus PT To obtain a differential cross-section in mb/(GeV2), multiply listed data by 30 Note that, in addition to the statistical and systematical errors, there is a normalization error on the value, given in the second column.
Non photonic electron yield in P+P collisions versus $p_{T}$. To obtain a differential cross-section in mb/(GeV$^2$), multiply listed data by 30.
Non photonic electron yield in minimum bias D+AU collisions versus PT To obtain a differential cross-section in mb/(GeV2), multiply listed data by 30 Note that, in addition to the statistical and systematical errors, there is a normalization error on the value, given in the second column.
We present results on the system size dependence of high transverse momentum di-hadron correlations at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV as measured by STAR at RHIC. Measurements in d+Au, Cu+Cu and Au+Au collisions reveal similar jet-like correlation yields at small angular separation ($\Delta\phi\sim0$, $\Delta\eta\sim0$) for all systems and centralities. Previous measurements have shown that the away-side yield is suppressed in heavy-ion collisions. We present measurements of the away-side suppression as a function of transverse momentum and centrality in Cu+Cu and Au+Au collisions. The suppression is found to be similar in Cu+Cu and Au+Au collisions at a similar number of participants. The results are compared to theoretical calculations based on the parton quenching model and the modified fragmentation model. The observed differences between data and theory indicate that the correlated yields presented here will provide important constraints on medium density profile and energy loss model parameters.
Di-hadron correlations in $\Delta\phi$ for small $|\Delta\eta|$ ($|\Delta\eta|<0.7$) and large ($0.7<|\Delta\eta|<1.7$), scaled to match small $|\Delta\eta|$ at large $\Delta\phi$.
Subtracted distributions for di-hadron correlations in $\Delta\phi$ for small $|\Delta\eta|$ ($|\Delta\eta|<0.7$) minus large ($0.7<|\Delta\eta|<1.7$), scaled to match small $|\Delta\eta|$ at large $\Delta\phi$.
Subtracted distributions for di-hadron correlations in $\Delta\eta$.
We report on the first measurements of J/$\psi$ production at very low transverse momentum ($p_{T} <$ 0.2 GeV/c) in hadronic Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} =$ 200 GeV and U+U collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} =$ 193 GeV. Remarkably, the inferred nuclear modification factor of J/$\psi$ at mid-rapidity in Au+Au (U+U) collisions reaches about 24 (52) for $p_{T} <$ 0.05 GeV/c in the 60-80$\%$ collision centrality class. This noteworthy enhancement cannot be explained by hadronic production accompanied by cold and hot medium effects. In addition, the $dN/dt$ distribution of J/$\psi$ for the very low $p_{T}$ range is presented for the first time. The distribution is consistent with that expected from the Au nucleus and shows a hint of interference. Comparison of the measurements to theoretical calculations of coherent production shows that the excess yield can be described reasonably well and reveals a partial disruption of coherent production in semi-central collisions, perhaps due to the violent hadronic interactions. Incorporating theoretical calculations, the results strongly suggest that the dramatic enhancement of J/$\psi$ yield observed at extremely low $p_{T}$ originates from coherent photon-nucleus interactions. In particular, coherently produced J/$\psi$'s in violent hadronic collisions may provide a novel probe of the quark-gluon-plasma.
'$J/\Psi$ invariant yields for Au+Au collisions 200 GeV as a function of $p_T$'
'$J/\Psi$ invariant yields for U+U collisions 193 GeV as a function of $p_T$'
'$J/\Psi$ $R_{AA}$ for Au+Au collisions 200 GeV as a function of $p_T$'
Forward-backward multiplicity correlation strengths have been measured for the first time with the STAR detector for Au+Au and $\textit{p+p}$ collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. Strong short and long range correlations are seen in central (0-10%) Au+Au collisions. The magnitude of these correlations decrease with decreasing centrality until only short range correlations are observed in 40-50% Au+Au collisions. The results are in agreement with predictions from the Dual Parton and Color Glass Condensate models.
FB Correlation strength for Au+Au at different centralities and p+p reactions as a function of $\Delta\eta$.
Backward-forward dispersion, $D_{bf}^{2}$ and forward-forward dispersion $D_{bf}^{2}$ for Au+Au 0-10% centrality and p+p reactions as a function of $\Delta\eta$.
The transverse spin transfer from polarized protons to $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons is expected to provide sensitivity to the transversity distribution of the nucleon and to the transversely polarized fragmentation functions. We report the first measurement of the transverse spin transfer to $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ along the polarization direction of the fragmenting quark, $D_\mathrm{TT}$, in transversely polarized proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=200\,\mathrm{GeV}$ with the STAR detector at RHIC. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of $18\,\mathrm{pb}^{-1}$ and cover the pseudorapidity range $\left|\eta\right| < 1.2$ and transverse momenta $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ up to $8\,\mathrm{GeV}/c$. The dependence on $p_\mathrm{T}$ and $\eta$ are presented. The $D_\mathrm{TT}$ results are found to be comparable with a model prediction, and are also consistent with zero within uncertainties.
'Transverse spin transfer of $\Lambda$ in transversely polarized proton-proton collisions at 200 GeV.'
'Transverse spin transfer of $\bar{\Lambda}$ in transversely polarized proton-proton collisions at 200 GeV.'
'spin asymmetry $\delta_{TT}$ for the control sample of $K_S^0$ meson.'
We report the first measurements of the moments -- mean ($M$), variance ($\sigma^{2}$), skewness ($S$) and kurtosis ($\kappa$) -- of the net-charge multiplicity distributions at mid-rapidity in Au+Au collisions at seven energies, ranging from $\sqrt {{s_{\rm NN}}}$= 7.7 to 200 GeV, as a part of the Beam Energy Scan program at RHIC. The moments are related to the thermodynamic susceptibilities of net-charge, and are sensitive to the proximity of the QCD critical point. We compare the products of the moments, $\sigma^{2}/M$, $S\sigma$ and $\kappa\sigma^{2}$ with the expectations from Poisson and negative binomial distributions (NBD). The $S\sigma$ values deviate from Poisson and are close to NBD baseline, while the $\kappa\sigma^{2}$ values tend to lie between the two. Within the present uncertainties, our data do not show non-monotonic behavior as a function of collision energy. These measurements provide a distinct way of determining the freeze-out parameters in heavy-ion collisions by comparing with theoretical models.
The efficiency and centrality bin width corrected mean (M) of the net-charge multiplicity distributions as a function of number of participating nucleons $N_{part}$ for Au+Au collisions at 7.7 GeV. The dotted lines represent calculations from the central limit theorem. The error bars are statisticaland systematic errors.
The efficiency and centrality bin width corrected mean (M) of the net-charge multiplicity distributions as a function of number of participating nucleons $N_{part}$ for Au+Au collisions at 11.5 GeV. The dotted lines represent calculations from the central limit theorem. The error bars are statisticaland systematic errors.
The efficiency and centrality bin width corrected mean (M) of the net-charge multiplicity distributions as a function of number of participating nucleons $N_{part}$ for Au+Au collisions at 19.6 GeV. The dotted lines represent calculations from the central limit theorem. The error bars are statisticaland systematic errors.
We report the first three-particle coincidence measurement in pseudorapidity ($\Delta\eta$) between a high transverse momentum ($p_{\perp}$) trigger particle and two lower $p_{\perp}$ associated particles within azimuth $\mid$$\Delta\phi$$\mid$$<$0.7 in $\sqrt{{\it s}_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV $d$+Au and Au+Au collisions. Charge ordering properties are exploited to separate the jet-like component and the ridge (long-range $\Delta\eta$ correlation). The results indicate that the particles from the ridge are uncorrelated in $\Delta\eta$ not only with the trigger particle but also between themselves event-by-event. In addition, the production of the ridge appears to be uncorrelated to the presence of the narrow jet-like component.
Correlated hadron distribution in ∆φ(|η|<1 with a high-p⊥trigger particle in 0-12% Au+Au collisions for 3<p(t)⊥<10 GeV/cand 1<p(a)⊥<3GeV/c. The ZYA1-normalized flow background is shown by the curve.
Correlated hadron distribution ∆η(|∆φ|<0.7) with a high-p⊥ trigger particle in 0-12% Au+Au collisions for 3<p(t)⊥<10 GeV/c and 1<p(a)⊥<3GeV/c. The ∆η distributions are background subtracted and corrected for ∆η acceptance and are for like and unlike-sign pairs separately. The curves in are Gaussian fits. Errors are statistical.
Background-subtracted charge-independent (AAT ) correlated hadron pair density in minimum bias d+Au collisions for 3<p(t)⊥<10 GeV/cand 1<p(a)⊥<3 GeV/c. The results are for near-side correlated hadrons within |∆φ1,2|<0.7, and corrected for the 3-particle ∆η-∆η acceptance. Statistical errors at (∆η1,∆η2)∼(0,0)are approximately 0.033 for d+Au respectively.
According to the CPT theorem, which states that the combined operation of charge conjugation, parity transformation and time reversal must be conserved, particles and their antiparticles should have the same mass and lifetime but opposite charge and magnetic moment. Here, we test CPT symmetry in a nucleus containing a strange quark, more specifically in the hypertriton. This hypernucleus is the lightest one yet discovered and consists of a proton, a neutron, and a $\Lambda$ hyperon. With data recorded by the STAR detector{\cite{TPC,HFT,TOF}} at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, we measure the $\Lambda$ hyperon binding energy $B_{\Lambda}$ for the hypertriton, and find that it differs from the widely used value{\cite{B_1973}} and from predictions{\cite{2019_weak, 1995_weak, 2002_weak, 2014_weak}}, where the hypertriton is treated as a weakly bound system. Our results place stringent constraints on the hyperon-nucleon interaction{\cite{Hammer2002, STAR-antiH3L}}, and have implications for understanding neutron star interiors, where strange matter may be present{\cite{Chatterjee2016}}. A precise comparison of the masses of the hypertriton and the antihypertriton allows us to test CPT symmetry in a nucleus with strangeness for the first time, and we observe no deviation from the expected exact symmetry.
Measurements of relative mass-to-charge ratio differences between nuclei and antinuclei (d and antid)
Measurements of relative mass-to-charge ratio differences between nuclei and antinuclei (He and antiHe)
Measurements of relative mass-to-charge ratio differences between nuclei and antinuclei (hypertriton and antihypertriton)
The inclusive $J/\psi$ transverse momentum ($p_{T}$) spectra and nuclear modification factors are reported at midrapidity ($|y|<1.0$) in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=$ 39, 62.4 and 200 GeV taken by the STAR experiment. A suppression of $J/\psi$ production, with respect to {\color{black}the production in $p+p$ scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions}, is observed in central Au+Au collisions at these three energies. No significant energy dependence of nuclear modification factors is found within uncertainties. The measured nuclear modification factors can be described by model calculations that take into account both suppression of direct $J/\psi$ production due to the color screening effect and $J/\psi$ regeneration from recombination of uncorrelated charm-anticharm quark pairs.
J/psi invariant yields in Au+Au collisions = 39 GeV as a function of pT for different centralities.
J/psi invariant yields in Au+Au collisions = 62.4 GeV as a function of pT for different centralities.
J/psi invariant yields in Au+Au collisions = 200 GeV as a function of pT for different centralities.
We report high-precision measurements of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, $A_{LL}$, for midrapidity inclusive jet and dijet production in polarized $pp$ collisions at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=200\,\mathrm{GeV}$. The new inclusive jet data are sensitive to the gluon helicity distribution, $\Delta g(x,Q^2)$, for gluon momentum fractions in the range from $x \simeq 0.05$ to $x \simeq 0.5$, while the new dijet data provide further constraints on the $x$ dependence of $\Delta g(x,Q^2)$. The results are in good agreement with previous measurements at $\sqrt{s}=200\,\mathrm{GeV}$ and with recent theoretical evaluations of prior world data. Our new results have better precision and thus strengthen the evidence that $\Delta g(x,Q^2)$ is positive for $x > 0.05$.
Jet yield versus jet transverse momentum $p_{T}$ at the detector level and at the parton level. Table includes data for the JP2 trigger conditions and the corresponding simulations.
Jet yield versus jet transverse momentum $p_{T}$ at the detector level and at the parton level. Table includes data for the JP1 trigger conditions and the corresponding simulations.
Dijet yield versus the dijet $M_{inv}$ at the detector level and at the parton level. Table includes data for the JP1 and JP2 trigger conditions and the corresponding simulations.
We report charged-particle pair correlation analyses in the space of Delta -phi (azimuth) and Delta -eta (pseudo-rapidity), for central Au + Au collisions at sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200 GeV in the STAR detector. The analysis involves unlike-sign charge pairs and like-sign charge pairs, which are transformed into charge-dependent (CD) signals and charge-independent (CI) signals. We present detailed parameterizations of the data. A model featuring dense gluonic hot spots as first proposed by van Hove predicts that the observables under investigation would have sensitivity to such a substructure should it occur, and the model also motivates selection of transverse momenta in the range 0.8 < p_t < 2.0$ GeV/c. Both CD and CI correlations of high statistical significance are observed and possible interpretations are discussed.
FIG. 1: a) left side: The $\Delta\phi$ - $\Delta\eta$ correlation data for unlike-sign charge particle pairs from the Star central trigger dataset shown in a 2-dimensional (2-D) perspective plot. The particle tracks have 0.8 GeV/c < $p_t$ < 2.0 GeV/c and |$\eta$| < 1.0. The structure that looks like tiles on a roof is due to the readout boundary effects of the 12 sector TPC. b) right side: The similar correlation data for like-sign charge particle pairs is shown.
FIG. 1: a) left side: The $\Delta\phi$ - $\Delta\eta$ correlation data for unlike-sign charge particle pairs from the Star central trigger dataset shown in a 2-dimensional (2-D) perspective plot. The particle tracks have 0.8 GeV/c < $p_t$ < 2.0 GeV/c and |$\eta$| < 1.0. The structure that looks like tiles on a roof is due to the readout boundary effects of the 12 sector TPC. b) right side: The similar correlation data for like-sign charge particle pairs is shown.
FIG. 2: a) left side: The correlation data for the ratio of the histograms of same-event-pairs to mixed-event-pairs for unlike-sign charged pairs, shown in a two-dimensional (2-D) perspective plot $\Delta\phi$ - $\Delta\eta$. The plot was normalized to a mean of 1. b) right side: The similar correlation data for like-sign charge pairs.
Identified charged particle spectra of $\pi^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, $p$ and $\pbar$ at mid-rapidity ($|y|<0.1$) measured by the $\dedx$ method in the STAR-TPC are reported for $pp$ and d+Au collisions at $\snn = 200$ GeV and for Au+Au collisions at 62.4 GeV, 130 GeV, and 200 GeV. ... [Shortened for arXiv list. Full abstract in manuscript.]
Uncorrected charged particle multiplicity distribution measured in the TPC in $|\eta| < 0.5$ for Au+Au collisions at 62.4 GeV and 200 GeV. The shaded regions indicate the centrality bins used in the analysis. The 200 GeV data are scaled by a factor 5 for clarity.
Uncorrected charged particle multiplicity distribution measured in the TPC in $|\eta| < 0.5$ for Au+Au collisions at 62.4 GeV and 200 GeV. The shaded regions indicate the centrality bins used in the analysis. The 200 GeV data are scaled by a factor 5 for clarity.
Uncorrected charged particle multiplicity distribution measured in the E-FTPC (Au-direction) within $−3.8 < |\eta| < −2.8$ in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV. The shaded regions indicate the centrality bins used in the analysis.
We report a measurement of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry A_LL and the differential cross section for inclusive midrapidity jet production in polarized proton collisions at sqrt(s)=200 GeV. The cross section data cover transverse momenta 5 < pT < 50 GeV/c and agree with next-to-leading order perturbative QCD evaluations. The A_LL data cover 5 < pT < 17 GeV/c and disfavor at 98% C.L. maximal positive gluon polarization in the polarized nucleon.
(a) Inclusive differential cross section for p+p -> jet +X at sqrt(s) = 200 GeV versus jet pT for a jet cone radius of 0.4. The symbols show MB (open squares) and HT (filled circles) data from the years 2003 and 2004 combined. The horizontal bars indicate the ranges of the pT intervals. The curve shows a NLO calculation. (b) Comparison of theory and data. The band indicates the experimental systematic uncertainty. The upper (lower) dashed line indicates the relative change of the NLO calculation when it is evaluated at &mu = pT/2 (&mu = 2pT).
(a) Inclusive differential cross section for p+p -> jet +X at sqrt(s) = 200 GeV versus jet pT for a jet cone radius of 0.4. The symbols show MB (open squares) and HT (filled circles) data from the years 2003 and 2004 combined. The horizontal bars indicate the ranges of the pT intervals. The curve shows a NLO calculation. (b) Comparison of theory and data. The band indicates the experimental systematic uncertainty. The upper (lower) dashed line indicates the relative change of the NLO calculation when it is evaluated at &mu = pT/2 (&mu = 2pT).
The longitudinal double-spin asymmetry ALL in p+p-> jet +X at sqrt(s) = 200 GeV versus jet pT. The uncertainties on the data points are statistical. The gray band indicates the systematic uncertainty from the beam polarization measurement, and the hatched band the total systematic uncertainty. The curves show predictions based on deep-inelastic scattering parametrizations of gluon polarization.
We report the first measurement of the parity violating single-spin asymmetries for midrapidity decay positrons and electrons from $W^{+}$ and $W^{-}$ boson production in longitudinally polarized proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=500 $GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The measured asymmetries, $A^{W^+}_{L}=-0.27\pm 0.10\/({\rm stat.})\pm 0.02\/({\rm syst.}) \pm 0.03\/({\rm norm.})$ and $A^{W^-}_{L}=0.14\pm 0.19\/({\rm stat.})\pm 0.02 \/({\rm syst.})\pm 0.01\/({\rm norm.})$, are consistent with theory predictions, which are large and of opposite sign. These predictions are based on polarized quark and antiquark distribution functions constrained by polarized DIS measurements.
$E^e_T$ for W+ (bottom) and W− (top) events showing the candidate histograms in black, the full background estimates in blue and the signal distributions in yellow.
$E^e_T$ for W+ (bottom) and W− (top) events showing the candidate histograms in black, the full background estimates in blue and the signal distributions in yellow.
Longitudinal single-spin asymmetry, AL, for W± events as a function of the leptonic pseudorapidity, $\eta_e$, for 25 < $E^e_T$ < 50 GeV in comparison to theory predictions
Nuclear collisions recreate conditions in the universe microseconds after the Big Bang. Only a very small fraction of the emitted fragments are light nuclei, but these states are of fundamental interest. We report the observation of antihypertritons - composed of an antiproton, antineutron, and antilambda hyperon - produced by colliding gold nuclei at high energy. Our analysis yields 70 +- 17 antihypertritons and 157 +- 30 hypertritons. The measured yields of hypertriton (antihypertriton) and helium3 (antihelium3) are similar, suggesting an equilibrium in coordinate and momentum space populations of up, down, and strange quarks and antiquarks, unlike the pattern observed at lower collision energies. The production and properties of antinuclei, and nuclei containing strange quarks, have implications spanning nuclear/particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology.
(A, B) show the invariant mass distribution of the daughter 3He + π. The open circles represent the signal candidate distributions, while the solid black lines are background distributions. The blue dashed lines are signal (Gaussian) plus background (double exponential) combined fit.
(A, B) show the invariant mass distribution of the daughter 3He + π. The open circles represent the signal candidate distributions, while the solid black lines are background distributions. The blue dashed lines are signal (Gaussian) plus background (double exponential) combined fit. A (B) shows the 3ΛH (3Λ¯H) candidate distributions.
The 3ΛH (solid squares) and Λ (open circles) yield distributions versus cτ. The solid lines represent the cτ fits. The inset depicts the $\chi^2$ distribution of the best 3ΛH cτ fit. The error bars represent the statistical uncertaintiesonly.
Pion-kaon correlation functions are constructed from central Au+Au data taken at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 130$ GeV. The results suggest that pions and kaons are not emitted at the same average space-time point. Space-momentum correlations, i.e. transverse flow, lead to a space-time emission asymmetry of pions and kaons that is consistent with the data. This result provides new independent evidence that the system created at RHIC undergoes a collective transverse expansion.
Pion-kaon correlation functions and ratios of correlation functions. Errors are statistical only.
Pion-kaon correlation functions and ratios of correlation functions. Errors are statistical only.
Pion-kaon correlation functions and ratios of correlation functions. Errors are statistical only.
We present STAR measurements of the azimuthal anisotropy parameter $v_2$ for pions, kaons, protons, $\Lambda$, $\bar{\Lambda}$, $\Xi+\bar{\Xi}$, and $\Omega + \bar{\Omega}$, along with $v_4$ for pions, kaons, protons, and $\Lambda + \bar{\Lambda}$ at mid-rapidity for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=62.4$ and 200 GeV. The $v_2(p_T)$ values for all hadron species at 62.4 GeV are similar to those observed in 130 and 200 GeV collisions. For observed kinematic ranges, $v_2$ values at 62.4, 130, and 200 GeV are as little as 10%--15% larger than those in Pb+Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=17.3$ GeV. At intermediate transverse momentum ($p_T$ from 1.5--5 GeV/c), the 62.4 GeV $v_2(p_T)$ and $v_4(p_T)$ values are consistent with the quark-number scaling first observed at 200 GeV. A four-particle cumulant analysis is used to assess the non-flow contributions to pions and protons and some indications are found for a smaller non-flow contribution to protons than pions. Baryon $v_2$ is larger than anti-baryon $v_2$ at 62.4 and 200 GeV perhaps indicating either that the initial spatial net-baryon distribution is anisotropic, that the mechanism leading to transport of baryon number from beam- to mid-rapidity enhances $v_2$, or that anti-baryon and baryon annihilation is larger in the in-plane direction.
Minimum-bias (0–80% of the collision cross section) v2(pT ) for identified hadrons at |η| < 1 from Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 62.4 GeV. To facilitate comparisons between panels, v2 values for inclusive charged hadrons are displayed in each panel. The error bars on the data points represent statistical uncertainties. Systematic uncertainties for the identified particles are shown as shaded bands around v2 = 0.
Minimum-bias (0–80% of the collision cross section) v2(pT ) for identified hadrons at |η| < 1 from Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 62.4 GeV. To facilitate comparisons between panels, v2 values for inclusive charged hadrons are displayed in each panel. The error bars on the data points represent statistical uncertainties. Systematic uncertainties for the identified particles are shown as shaded bands around v2 = 0.
Minimum-bias (0–80% of the collision cross section) v2(pT ) for identified hadrons at |η| < 1 from Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 62.4 GeV. To facilitate comparisons between panels, v2 values for inclusive charged hadrons are displayed in each panel. The error bars on the data points represent statistical uncertainties. Systematic uncertainties for the identified particles are shown as shaded bands around v2 = 0.
Three-particle azimuthal correlation measurements with a high transverse momentum trigger particle are reported for pp, d+Au, and Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV by the STAR experiment. The acoplanarities in pp and d+Au indicate initial state kT broadening. Larger acoplanarity is observed in Au+Au collisions. The central Au+Au data show an additional effect signaling conical emission of correlated charged hadrons.
FIG. 1: (a) Raw two-particle correlation signal $Y_2$ (red), background $aB_{inc}F_2$ (solid histogram), and background systematic uncertainty from a (dashed histograms). (b) Background-subtracted two-particle correlation $\hat{Y}_2$ (red), and systematic uncertainties due to a (dashed histograms) and flow (blue histograms). (c) Raw three-particle correlation $Y_3$. (d) $ba^2Y_{inc}^2$ . (e) Sum of trig-corr-bkgd and trigger flow. Data are from 12% central Au+Au collisions. Statistical errors in (a,b) are smaller than the point size. NOTE: For points with invisible error bars, the point size was considered as an absolute upper limit for the uncertainty.
FIG. 1: (a) Raw two-particle correlation signal $Y_2$ (red), background $aB_{inc}F_2$ (solid histogram), and background systematic uncertainty from a (dashed histograms). (b) Background-subtracted two-particle correlation $\hat{Y}_2$ (red), and systematic uncertainties due to a (dashed histograms) and flow (blue histograms). (c) Raw three-particle correlation $Y_3$. (d) $ba^2Y_{inc}^2$ . (e) Sum of trig-corr-bkgd and trigger flow. Data are from 12% central Au+Au collisions. Statistical errors in (a,b) are smaller than the point size. NOTE: For points with invisible error bars, the point size was considered as an absolute upper limit for the uncertainty.
FIG. 1: (a) Raw two-particle correlation signal $Y_2$ (red), background $aB_{inc}F_2$ (solid histogram), and background systematic uncertainty from a (dashed histograms). (b) Background-subtracted two-particle correlation $\hat{Y}_2$ (red), and systematic uncertainties due to a (dashed histograms) and flow (blue histograms). (c) Raw three-particle correlation $Y_3$. (d) $ba^2Y_{inc}^2$ . (e) Sum of trig-corr-bkgd and trigger flow. Data are from 12% central Au+Au collisions. Statistical errors in (a,b) are smaller than the point size.
We report measurements of transverse momentum $p_t$ spectra for ten event multiplicity classes of p-p collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 200$ GeV. By analyzing the multiplicity dependence we find that the spectrum shape can be decomposed into a part with amplitude proportional to multiplicity and described by a L\'evy distribution on transverse mass $m_t$, and a part with amplitude proportional to multiplicity squared and described by a gaussian distribution on transverse rapidity $y_t$. The functional forms of the two parts are nearly independent of event multiplicity. The two parts can be identified with the soft and hard components of a two-component model of p-p collisions. This analysis then provides the first isolation of the hard component of the $p_t$ spectrum as a distribution of simple form on $y_t$.
FIG. 1: Corrected and normalized charged-particle spectra on transverse momentum $p_t$ (left) and transverse rapidity $y_t$ (right) for 10 event multiplicity classes, displaced upward by successive factors 40 relative to $\hat{n}_{ch}$ = 1 at bottom. Solid curves represent reference function $n_s/n_{ch} · S_0(y_t)$ (cf.Sec. IV C). Dotted curves are spline fits to guide the eye.
FIG. 1: Corrected and normalized charged-particle spectra on transverse momentum $p_t$ (left) and transverse rapidity $y_t$ (right) for 10 event multiplicity classes, displaced upward by successive factors 40 relative to $\hat{n}_{ch}$ = 1 at bottom. Solid curves represent reference function $n_s/n_{ch} · S_0(y_t)$ (cf.Sec. IV C). Dotted curves are spline fits to guide the eye.
FIG. 2. Left: Relative residuals from power-law fits to $p_{t}$ spectra in Fig. 1. The hatched band represents the expected statistical errors for STAR data. Right: Exponents $n$ from power-law fits to data (solid points) and to corresponding twocomponent fixed-model functions (open circles, see Sec. VI) compared to the two-component fixed-model Lévy exponent $12.8 \pm 0.15$ (hatched band). NOTE 1: For points with invisible error bars, the point size was considered as an absolute upper limit for the uncertainty. NOTE 2: The "data_stat" uncertainty corresponds to the expected statistical error (hatched band).
We present measurements of 2$^{nd}$ order azimuthal anisotropy ($v_{2}$) at mid-rapidity $(|y|<1.0)$ for light nuclei d, t, $^{3}$He (for $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200, 62.4, 39, 27, 19.6, 11.5, and 7.7 GeV) and anti-nuclei $\bar{\rm d}$ ($\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200, 62.4, 39, 27, and 19.6 GeV) and $^{3}\bar{\rm He}$ ($\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV) in the STAR (Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC) experiment. The $v_{2}$ for these light nuclei produced in heavy-ion collisions is compared with those for p and $\bar{\rm p}$. We observe mass ordering in nuclei $v_{2}(p_{T})$ at low transverse momenta ($p_{T}<2.0$ GeV/$c$). We also find a centrality dependence of $v_{2}$ for d and $\bar{\rm d}$. The magnitude of $v_{2}$ for t and $^{3}$He agree within statistical errors. Light-nuclei $v_{2}$ are compared with predictions from a blast wave model. Atomic mass number ($A$) scaling of light-nuclei $v_{2}(p_{T})$ seems to hold for $p_{T}/A < 1.5$ GeV/$c$. Results on light-nuclei $v_{2}$ from a transport-plus-coalescence model are consistent with the experimental measurements.
Mid-rapidity v2(pT) for d,anti-d,t,He,anti-He from minimum bias (0-80%) Au+Au collisions 200 GeV (d data points are also shown in Fig 5).
Mid-rapidity v2(pT) for d,anti-d,t,He from minimum bias (0-80%) Au+Au collisions 62.4 GeV.
Mid-rapidity v2(pT) for d,anti-d,t,He from minimum bias (0-80%) Au+Au collisions 39 GeV.
Identified charged pion, kaon, and proton spectra are used to explore the system size dependence of bulk freeze-out properties in Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 and 62.4 GeV. The data are studied with hydrodynamically-motivated Blast-wave and statistical model frameworks in order to characterize the freeze-out properties of the system. The dependence of freeze-out parameters on beam energy and collision centrality is discussed. Using the existing results from Au+Au and $pp$ collisions, the dependence of freeze-out parameters on the system size is also explored. This multi-dimensional systematic study furthers our understanding of the QCD phase diagram revealing the importance of the initial geometrical overlap of the colliding ions. The analysis of Cu+Cu collisions, which expands the system size dependence studies from Au+Au data with detailed measurements in the smaller system, shows that the bulk freeze-out properties of charged particles studied here scale with the total charged particle multiplicity at mid-rapidity, suggesting the relevance of initial state effects.
Negatively charged pion spectra from Cu+Cu collisions 200 GeV as a function of pT for different centralities.
Negatively charged pion spectra from Cu+Cu collisions 62.4 GeV as a function of pT for different centralities.
Negatively charged kaon spectra from Cu+Cu collisions 200 GeV as a function of pT for different centralities.
We present the first large-acceptance measurement of event-wise mean transverse momentum mean p_t fluctuations for Au-Au collisions at nucleon-nucleon center-of-momentum collision energy sqrt{s_{NN}} = 130 GeV. The observed non-statistical mean p_t fluctuations substantially exceed in magnitude fluctuations expected from the finite number of particles produced in a typical collision. The r.m.s. fractional width excess of the event-wise mean p_t distribution is 13.7 +/- 0.1(stat) +/- 1.3(syst)% relative to a statistical reference, for the 15% most-central collisions and for charged hadrons within pseudorapidity range |eta|<1, 2pi azimuth and 0.15 < p_t < 2 GeV/c. The width excess varies smoothly but non-monotonically with collision centrality, and does not display rapid changes with centrality which might indicate the presence of critical fluctuations. The reported mean p_t fluctuation excess is qualitatively larger than those observed at lower energies and differs markedly from theoretical expectations. Contributions to mean p_t mean fluctuations from semi-hard parton scattering in the initial state and dissipation in the bulk colored medium are discussed.
Event frequency distribution on $\sqrt{n}(\langle p_t\rangle - \hat{p}_t)/\sigma\hat{p}_t$ for 80% of primary charged hadrons in $|\eta|$ < 1 for 183k central events
Difference in upper panel between data and gamma reference
Centrality dependences of the measured charge independent (CI) and charge dependent (CD) difference factors $\Delta\sigma_{p_t:n}$ plus the corresponding values extrapolated to 100% tracking efficiency. Statistical errors $\pm$ 0.5 MeV/c; systematic errors are $\pm$ 9%. Difference factors extrapolated to 100% tracking efficiency and no secondary particle contamination. Uncertainties are $\pm$ 12%.
The differential cross section and spin asymmetries for neutral pions produced within the intermediate pseudorapidity range 0.8 < {\eta} < 2.0 in polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt{s} = 200 GeV are presented. Neutral pions were detected using the endcap electromagnetic calorimeter in the STAR detector at RHIC. The cross section was measured over a transverse momentum range of 5 < p_T < 16 GeV/c and is found to be within the scale uncertainty of a next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculation. The longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, A_LL, is measured in the same pseudorapidity range. This quantity is sensitive to the gluonic contribution to the proton spin, {\Delta}g(x), at low Bjorken-x (down to x approx 0.01), where it is less constrained by measurements at central pseudorapidity. The measured A_LL is consistent with model predictions. The parity-violating asymmetry, A_L, is also measured and found to be consistent with zero. The transverse single-spin asymmetry, A_N, is measured within a previously unexplored kinematic range in Feynman-x and p_T. Such measurements may aid our understanding of the on-set and kinematic dependence of the large asymmetries observed at more forward pseudorapidity ({\eta} approx 3) and their underlying mechanisms. The A_N results presented are consistent with a twist-3 model prediction of a small asymmetry within the present kinematic range.
Distributions of x1 and x2 in two different bins of reconstructed $\pi^{0}$ pT for events at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV over 0.8 < $\eta$ < 2.
Comparison of data to Monte Carlo for the distributions of two-photon invariant mass (left) and energy for the higher (center) and lower (right) energy photon.
Comparison of data to Monte Carlo for the distributions of two-photon invariant mass (left) and energy for the higher (center) and lower (right) energy photon.
Jet-medium interactions are studied via a multi-hadron correlation technique (called "2+1"), where a pair of back-to-back hadron triggers with large transverse momentum is used as a proxy for a di-jet. This work extends the previous analysis for nearly-symmetric trigger pairs with the highest momentum threshold of trigger hadron of 5 GeV/$c$ with the new calorimeter-based triggers with energy thresholds of up to 10 GeV and above. The distributions of associated hadrons are studied in terms of correlation shapes and per-trigger yields on each trigger side. In contrast with di-hadron correlation results with single triggers, the associated hadron distributions for back-to-back triggers from central Au+Au data at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 GeV show no strong modifications compared to d+Au data at the same energy. An imbalance in the total transverse momentum between hadrons attributed to the near-side and away-side of jet-like peaks is observed. The relative imbalance in the Au+Au measurement with respect to d+Au reference is found to increase with the asymmetry of the trigger pair, consistent with expectation from medium-induced energy loss effects. In addition, this relative total transverse momentum imbalance is found to decrease for softer associated hadrons. Such evolution indicates the energy missing at higher associated momenta is converted into softer hadrons.
Projections of 2-D correlation functions on $\Delta \phi$ (a) (with $|\Delta \eta|$ < 1.0) and $\Delta \eta$ (b) (with $|\Delta \phi|$ < 0.7) for the hadrons associated with their respective triggers (T1 for near-side, T2 for away–side) are shown for d+Au (circles) and central 0-20% Au+Au (squares).
Projections of 2-D correlation functions on $\Delta \phi$ (a) (with $|\Delta \eta|$ < 1.0) and $\Delta \eta$ (b) (with $|\Delta \phi|$ < 0.7) for the hadrons associated with their respective triggers (T1 for near-side, T2 for away–side) are shown for d+Au (circles) and central 0-20% Au+Au (squares).
Projections of 2-D correlation functions on $\Delta \phi$ (a) (with $|\Delta \eta|$ < 1.0) and $\Delta \eta$ (b) (with $|\Delta \phi|$ < 0.7) for the hadrons associated with their respective triggers (T1 for near-side, T2 for away–side) are shown for d+Au (circles) and central 0-20% Au+Au (squares).
We present a study of the average transverse momentum ($p_t$) fluctuations and $p_t$ correlations for charged particles produced in Cu+Cu collisions at midrapidity for $\sqrt{s_{NN}} =$ 62.4 and 200 GeV. These results are compared with those published for Au+Au collisions at the same energies, to explore the system size dependence. In addition to the collision energy and system size dependence, the $p_t$ correlation results have been studied as functions of the collision centralities, the ranges in $p_t$, the pseudorapidity $\eta$, and the azimuthal angle $\phi$. The square root of the measured $p_t$ correlations when scaled by mean $p_t$ is found to be independent of both colliding beam energy and system size studied. Transport-based model calculations are found to have a better quantitative agreement with the measurements compared to models which incorporate only jetlike correlations.
Event-by-event $\langle p_{t}\rangle$ distributions for data and mixed events in central Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 and 62.4 GeV.
Comparison of dynamical $\langle p_{t}\rangle$ fluctuations in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62.4 and 200 GeV as a function of the number of participanting nucleons.
Comparison of dynamical $\langle p_{t}\rangle$ fluctuations in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62.4 and 200 GeV as a function of the number of participanting nucleons.
We have searched for strangelets in a triggered sample of 61 million central (top 4%) Au+Au collisions at $\sNN = 200 $GeV near beam rapidities at the STAR detector. We have sensitivity to metastable strangelets with lifetimes of order $\geq 0.1 ns$, in contrast to limits over ten times longer in AGS studies and longer still at the SPS. Upper limits of a few 10^{-6} to 10^{-7} per central Au+Au collision are set for strangelets with mass ${}^{>}_{\sim}30$ GeV/c^{2}.
Upper limit for neutral (Z=0) and charged (Z=5) strangelet as a function of mass.
Upper limit for charged (Z=1) strangelet as a function of lifetime.
The longitudinal spin transfer, $D_{LL}$, from high energy polarized protons to $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons has been measured for the first time in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 200 \mathrm{GeV}$ with the STAR detector at RHIC. The measurements cover pseudorapidity, $\eta$, in the range $|\eta| < 1.2$ and transverse momenta, $p_\mathrm{T}$, up to $4 \mathrm{GeV}/c$. The longitudinal spin transfer is found to be $D_{LL}= -0.03\pm 0.13(\mathrm{stat}) \pm 0.04(\mathrm{syst})$ for inclusive $\Lambda$ and $D_{LL} = -0.12 \pm 0.08(\mathrm{stat}) \pm 0.03(\mathrm{syst})$ for inclusive $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons with $<\eta> = 0.5$ and $<p_\mathrm{T}> = 3.7 \mathrm{GeV}/c$. The dependence on $\eta$ and $p_\mathrm{T}$ is presented.
The spin transfer $D_{LL}$ to (a) $\Lambda$ and (b) $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons produced at positive pseudorapidity with respect to the polarized proton beam from $MB$, $JP$, and $HT$ data versus hyperon transverse momenta $p_{T}$. The sizes of the statistical and systematic uncertainties are indicated by the vertical bars and bands, respectively. For clarity, the HT data points have been shifted slightly in $p_{T}$. The dotted vertical lines indicate the $p_{T}$ intervals in the analysis of HT and JP data.
The spin transfer $D_{LL}$ to (a) $\Lambda$ and (b) $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons produced at positive pseudorapidity with respect to the polarized proton beam from $MB$, $JP$, and $HT$ data versus hyperon transverse momenta $p_{T}$. The sizes of the statistical and systematic uncertainties are indicated by the vertical bars and bands, respectively. For clarity, the HT data points have been shifted slightly in $p_{T}$. The dotted vertical lines indicate the $p_{T}$ intervals in the analysis of HT and JP data.
The spin transfer $D_{LL}$ to (a) $\Lambda$ and (b) $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons produced at positive pseudorapidity with respect to the polarized proton beam from $MB$, $JP$, and $HT$ data versus hyperon transverse momenta $p_{T}$. The sizes of the statistical and systematic uncertainties are indicated by the vertical bars and bands, respectively. For clarity, the HT data points have been shifted slightly in $p_{T}$. The dotted vertical lines indicate the $p_{T}$ intervals in the analysis of HT and JP data.
The pseudorapidity asymmetry and centrality dependence of charged hadron spectra in d+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV are presented. The charged particle density at mid-rapidity, its pseudorapidity asymmetry and centrality dependence are reasonably reproduced by a Multi-Phase Transport model, by HIJING, and by the latest calculations in a saturation model. Ratios of transverse momentum spectra between backward and forward pseudorapidity are above unity for \pT below 5 GeV/$c$. The ratio of central to peripheral spectra in d+Au collisions shows enhancement at 2 $<$ \pT $<$ 6 GeV/$c$, with a larger effect at backward rapidity than forward rapidity. Our measurements are in qualitative agreement with gluon saturation and in contrast to calculations based on incoherent multiple partonic scatterings.
The p$_T$ spectra of charged hadrons for various centrality classes.
The pseudorapidity dependence of charged particle densities for various centrality classes.
The ratio of charged hadron spectra in the backward rapidity to forward rapidity region for minimum bias and ZDC-d neutron-tagged events.
We report on the first measurement of elliptic flow $v_2(p_T)$ of multi-strange baryons $\Xi+\bar{Xi}$ and $\Omega+\bar{Omega} in heavy-ion collisions. In minimum bias Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN) = 200 GeV, a significant amount of elliptic flow, comparable to other non-strange baryons, is observed for multi-strange baryons which are expected to be particularly sensitive to the dynamics of the partonic stage of heavy-ion collisions. The $p_T$ dependence of $v_2$ of the multi-strange baryons confirms the number of constituent quark scaling previously observed for lighter hadrons. These results support the idea that a substantial fraction of the observed collective motion is developed at the early partonic stage in ultra-relativistic nuclear collisions at RHIC.
$\Xi^{-} + \Xi^{+}$ invariant mass distribution from minimum bias (0–80%) Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
$\Omega^{-} + \Omega^{+}$ invariant mass distribution from minimum bias (0–80%) Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
Azimuthal distributions with respect to the event plane of the $\Xi^{-} + \Xi^{+}$ and $\Omega^{-} + \Omega^{+}$ raw yields.
We present the directed flow ($v_1$) measured in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}$ = 62.4 GeV in the mid-pseudorapidity region $|\eta|<1.3$ and in the forward pseudorapidity region $2.5 < |\eta| < 4.0$. The results are obtained using the three-particle cumulant method, the event plane method with mixed harmonics, and for the first time at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), the standard method with the event plane reconstructed from spectator neutrons. Results from all three methods are in good agreement. Over the pseudorapidity range studied, charged particle directed flow is in the direction opposite to that of fragmentation neutrons.
Directed flow of charged particles as a function of pseudorapidity, for centrality 10%-70%.
Directed flow of charged particles as a function of pseudorapidity, for centrality 10%-70%.
Directed flow of charged particles as a function of pseudorapidity, for centrality 10%-70%.
The system created in non-central relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions possesses large orbital angular momentum. Due to spin-orbit coupling, particles produced in such a system could become globally polarized along the direction of the system angular momentum. We present the results of Lambda and anti-Lambda hyperon global polarization measurements in Au+Au collisions at sqrt{s_NN}=62.4 GeV and 200 GeV performed with the STAR detector at RHIC. The observed global polarization of Lambda and anti-Lambda hyperons in the STAR acceptance is consistent with zero within the precision of the measurements. The obtained upper limit, |P_{Lambda,anti-Lambda}| <= 0.02, is compared to the theoretical values discussed recently in the literature.
(Color online) Invariant mass distribution for the $\Lambda$ (filled circles) and $\overline{\Lambda}$ (open squares) candidates after the quality cuts for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=62.4 GeV (centrality region 0-80%).
(Color online) Global polarization of $\Lambda$–hyperons as a function of $\Lambda$ transverse momentum $p^{\Lambda}_{t}$. Filled circles show the results for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 GeV (centrality region 20-70%) and open squares indicate the results for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=62.4 GeV (centrality region 0-80%). Only statistical uncertainties are shown.
(Color online) Global polarization of $\Lambda$–hyperons as a function of $\Lambda$ pseudorapidity $\eta^{\Lambda}$. Filled circles show the results for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 GeV (centrality region 20-70%). A constant line fit to these data points yields $P_{\Lambda}=(2.8\pm 9.6)\times 10^{-3}$ with $\chi^{2}/ndf=6.5/10$. Open squares show the results for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=62.4 GeV (centrality region 0-80%). A constant line fit gives $P_{\Lambda}=(1.9\pm 8.0)\times 10^{-3}$ with $\chi^{2}/ndf=14.3/10$. Only statistical uncertainties are shown.
Elliptic flow ($v_{2}$) values for identified particles at mid-rapidity in Au+Au collisions, measured by the STAR experiment in the Beam Energy Scan at RHIC at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=$ 7.7--62.4 GeV, are presented. A beam-energy dependent difference of the values of $v_{2}$ between particles and corresponding anti-particles was observed. The difference increases with decreasing beam energy and is larger for baryons compared to mesons. This implies that, at lower energies, particles and anti-particles are not consistent with the universal number-of-constituent-quark (NCQ) scaling of $v_{2}$ that was observed at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=$ 200 GeV.
The elliptic flow $v_{2}$ of protons and anti-protons as a function of the transverse momentum, $p_{T}$, for 0–80$\%$ central Au+Au collisions. The lower panels show the difference in $v_{2}(p_{T})$ between the particles and anti-particles. The solid curves are fits with a horizontal line. The shaded areas depict the magnitude of the systematic errors.
The elliptic flow $v_{2}$ of protons and anti-protons as a function of the transverse momentum, $p_{T}$, for 0–80$\%$ central Au+Au collisions. The lower panels show the difference in $v_{2}(p_{T})$ between the particles and anti-particles. The solid curves are fits with a horizontal line. The shaded areas depict the magnitude of the systematic errors.
The elliptic flow $v_{2}$ of protons and anti-protons as a function of the transverse momentum, $p_{T}$, for 0–80$\%$ central Au+Au collisions. The lower panels show the difference in $v_{2}(p_{T})$ between the particles and anti-particles. The solid curves are fits with a horizontal line. The shaded areas depict the magnitude of the systematic errors.
We report a high precision measurement of the transverse single spin asymmetry $A_N$ at the center of mass energy $\sqrt{s}=200$ GeV in elastic proton-proton scattering by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The $A_N$ was measured in the four-momentum transfer squared $t$ range $0.003 \leqslant |t| \leqslant 0.035$ $\GeVcSq$, the region of a significant interference between the electromagnetic and hadronic scattering amplitudes. The measured values of $A_N$ and its $t$-dependence are consistent with a vanishing hadronic spin-flip amplitude, thus providing strong constraints on the ratio of the single spin-flip to the non-flip amplitudes. Since the hadronic amplitude is dominated by the Pomeron amplitude at this $\sqrt{s}$, we conclude that this measurement addresses the question about the presence of a hadronic spin flip due to the Pomeron exchange in polarized proton-proton elastic scattering.
The asymmetry $\varepsilon(\varphi)/(P_B + P_Y)$ for various $t$-intervals.
The measured single spin asymmetry $A_N$ for five $-t$ intervals.
Fitted value of $r_5$.
The contribution of $B$ meson decays to non-photonic electrons, which are mainly produced by the semi-leptonic decays of heavy flavor mesons, in $p+p$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} =$ 200 GeV has been measured using azimuthal correlations between non-photonic electrons and hadrons. The extracted $B$ decay contribution is approximately 50% at a transverse momentum of $p_{T} \geq 5$ GeV/$c$. These measurements constrain the nuclear modification factor for electrons from $B$ and $D$ meson decays. The result indicates that $B$ meson production in heavy ion collisions is also suppressed at high $p_{T}$.
Distributions of the azimuthal angle between nonphotonic electrons and charged hadrons normalized per nonphotonic electron trigger. The trigger electron has (top) $2.5 < p_{T} < 3.5$ GeV/$c$ and (bottom) $5.5 < p_{T} < 6.5$ GeV/$c$. The curves represent PYTHIA calculations for $D$ (dotted curve) and $B$ (dashed curve) decays. The fit result is shown as the black solid curve.
(a) Background-subtracted invariant mass distribution of $K$ pairs requiring at least one nonphotonic electron trigger in the event. The solid line is a Gaussian fit to the data near the peak region. (b) Distribution of the azimuthal angle between nonphotonic electron (positron) trigger particles and $D^{0}$ ($\bar{D}^{0}$). The solid (dashed) line is a fit of the correlation function from PYTHIA (MC$@$NLO) simulations to the data points.
Transverse momentum dependence of the relative contribution from $B$ mesons ($r_{B}$) to the nonphotonic electron yields. Error bars are statistical and brackets are systematic uncertainties. The solid curve is the FONLL calculation [14]. Theoretical uncertainties are indicated by the dashed curves.
We report measurements of Upsilon meson production in p+p, d+Au, and Au+Au collisions using the STAR detector at RHIC. We compare the Upsilon yield to the measured cross section in p+p collisions in order to quantify any modifications of the yield in cold nuclear matter using d+Au data and in hot nuclear matter using Au+Au data separated into three centrality classes. Our p+p measurement is based on three times the statistics of our previous result. We obtain a nuclear modification factor for Upsilon(1S+2S+3S) in the rapidity range |y|<1 in d+Au collisions of R_dAu = 0.79 +/- 0.24 (stat.) +/- 0.03 (sys.) +/- 0.10 (pp sys.). A comparison with models including shadowing and initial state parton energy loss indicates the presence of additional cold-nuclear matter suppression. Similarly, in the top 10% most-central Au+Au collisions, we measure a nuclear modification factor of R_AA=0.49 +/- 0.1 (stat.) +/- 0.02 (sys.) +/- 0.06 (pp sys.), which is a larger suppression factor than that seen in cold nuclear matter. Our results are consistent with complete suppression of excited-state Upsilon mesons in Au+Au collisions. The additional suppression in Au+Au is consistent with the level expected in model calculations that include the presence of a hot, deconfined Quark-Gluon Plasma. However, understanding the suppression seen in d+Au is still needed before any definitive statements about the nature of the suppression in Au+Au can be made.
Invariant mass distributions of electron pairs in the region $|y_{ee}| < 0.5$, p+p.
Invariant mass distributions of electron pairs in the region $|y_{ee}| < 0.5$, d+Au.
(a) $B_{ee} \times d\sigma/dy$ vs. $y$ for p+p collisions and for d+Au collisions (scaled down by 103).
Charged-particle spectra associated with direct photon ($\gamma_{dir} $) and $\pi^0$ are measured in $p$+$p$ and Au+Au collisions at center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=200$ GeV with the STAR detector at RHIC. A hower-shape analysis is used to partially discriminate between $\gamma_{dir}$ and $\pi^0$. Assuming no associated charged particles in the $\gamma_{dir}$ direction (near side) and small contribution from fragmentation photons ($\gamma_{frag}$), the associated charged-particle yields opposite to $\gamma_{dir}$ (away side) are extracted. At mid-rapidity ($|\eta|<0.9$) in central Au+Au collisions, charged-particle yields associated with $\gamma_{dir}$ and $\pi^0$ at high transverse momentum ($8< p_{T}^{trig}<16$ GeV/$c$) are suppressed by a factor of 3-5 compared with $p$ + $p$ collisions. The observed suppression of the associated charged particles, in the kinematic range $|\eta|<1$ and $3< p_{T}^{assoc} < 16$ GeV/$c$, is similar for $\gamma_{dir}$ and $\pi^0$, and independent of the $\gamma_{dir}$ energy within uncertainties. These measurements indicate that the parton energy loss, in the covered kinematic range, is insensitive to the parton path length.
The $z_{T}$ dependence of $\pi^{0}-h^{\pm}$ near side and away-side associated particle yields. The errors denoted 'syst' are systematic errors correlated in $z_{T}$. The errors denoted 'syst uncorr' are point-to-point systematic errors.
The $z_{T}$ dependence of away-side associated-particle yields for $\pi^{0}-h^{\pm}$ triggers and $\gamma_{dir}$ triggers. The errors denoted 'syst' are systematic errors correlated in $z_{T}$. The errors denoted 'syst uncorr' are point-to-point systematic errors.
The $z_{T}$ dependence $I_{AA}$ for $\pi^{0}-h^{\pm}$ triggers and $\gamma_{dir}$ triggers. The errors denoted 'syst' are systematic errors correlated in $z_{T}$. The errors denoted 'syst uncorr' are point-to-point systematic errors.
First measurements of charge-independent correlations on angular difference variables $\eta_1 - \eta_2$ (pseudorapidity) and $\phi_1 - \phi_2$ (azimuth) are presented for primary charged hadrons with transverse momentum $0.15 \leq p_t \leq 2$ GeV/$c$ and $|\eta| \leq 1.3$ from Au-Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 130$ GeV. Strong charge-independent angular correlations are observed associated with jet-like structures and elliptic flow. The width of the jet-like peak on $\eta_1 - \eta_2$ increases by a factor 2.3 from peripheral to central collisions, suggesting strong coupling of semi-hard scattered partons to a longitudinally-expanding medium. New methods of jet analysis introduced here provide evidence for nonperturbative QCD medium effects in heavy ion collisions.
Two-particle CI joint autocorrelations $\widehat{N}(\widehat{r}-1)$ on $(\eta_{\Delta}, \phi_{\Delta})$ for most-central collisions.
Two-particle CI joint autocorrelations $\widehat{N}(\widehat{r}-1)$ on $(\eta_{\Delta}, \phi_{\Delta})$ for mid-central collisions.
Two-particle CI joint autocorrelations $\widehat{N}(\widehat{r}-1)$ on $(\eta_{\Delta}, \phi_{\Delta})$ for mid-peripheral collisions.
We present the first measurements of charge-dependent correlations on angular difference variables $\eta_1 - \eta_2$ (pseudorapidity) and $\phi_1 - \phi_2$ (azimuth) for primary charged hadrons with transverse momentum $0.15 \leq p_t \leq 2$ GeV/$c$ and $|\eta| \leq 1.3$ from Au-Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 130$ GeV. We observe correlation structures not predicted by theory but consistent with evolution of hadron emission geometry with increasing centrality from one-dimensional fragmentation of color strings along the beam direction to an at least two-dimensional hadronization geometry along the beam and azimuth directions of a hadron-opaque bulk medium.
Normalized LS pair-number ratios $\widehat{r} [X(p_{t1}),X(p_{t2})]-1$ for collisions in centrality class (a) (most-central) in $(\eta_{1},\eta_{2})$.
Normalized LS pair-number ratios $\widehat{r} [X(p_{t1}),X(p_{t2})]-1$ for collisions in centrality class (a) (most-central) in $(\phi_{1},\phi_{2})$.
Two-particle CD joint autocorrelations $\widehat{N}(\widehat{r}-1)$ on $(\eta_{\Delta}, \phi_{\Delta})$ for most-central collisions.
We report the first measurement of the opening angle distribution between pairs of jets produced in high-energy collisions of transversely polarized protons. The measurement probes (Sivers) correlations between the transverse spin orientation of a proton and the transverse momentum directions of its partons. With both beams polarized, the wide pseudorapidity ($-1 \leq \eta \leq +2$) coverage for jets permits separation of Sivers functions for the valence and sea regions. The resulting asymmetries are all consistent with zero and considerably smaller than Sivers effects observed in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS). We discuss theoretical attempts to reconcile the new results with the sizable transverse spin effects seen in SIDIS and forward hadron production in pp collisions.
Measured and calculated asymmetries vs. di-jet pseudorapidity sum for $+\hat{z}$ (left) and $−\hat{z}$ (right) beams. (a,b): Fraction of the calculated di-jet cross section with a quark (gluon) from the $+\hat{z}$ $(−\hat{z})$ beam. (c,d): Unweighted asymmetries compared with pQCD calculations [20] (histograms) for two models of quark Sivers functions fitted to SIDIS results [8]. (e,f): Asymmetries for $|\sin\zeta|$-weighted yields, compared with calculations [20, 21] based on twist-3 quark-gluon correlations. Vertical (horizontal) bars on the data indicate statistical uncertainties (bin widths). The systematic error bands exclude a $\pm12\%$ beam polarization normalization uncertainty.
Measured and calculated asymmetries vs. di-jet pseudorapidity sum for $+\hat{z}$ (left) and $−\hat{z}$ (right) beams. (a,b): Fraction of the calculated di-jet cross section with a quark (gluon) from the $+\hat{z}$ $(−\hat{z})$ beam. (c,d): Unweighted asymmetries compared with pQCD calculations [20] (histograms) for two models of quark Sivers functions fitted to SIDIS results [8]. (e,f): Asymmetries for $|\sin\zeta|$-weighted yields, compared with calculations [20, 21] based on twist-3 quark-gluon correlations. Vertical (horizontal) bars on the data indicate statistical uncertainties (bin widths). The systematic error bands exclude a $\pm12\%$ beam polarization normalization uncertainty.
Measured and calculated asymmetries vs. di-jet pseudorapidity sum for $+\hat{z}$ (left) and $−\hat{z}$ (right) beams. (a,b): Fraction of the calculated di-jet cross section with a quark (gluon) from the $+\hat{z}$ $(−\hat{z})$ beam. (c,d): Unweighted asymmetries compared with pQCD calculations [20] (histograms) for two models of quark Sivers functions fitted to SIDIS results [8]. (e,f): Asymmetries for $|\sin\zeta|$-weighted yields, compared with calculations [20, 21] based on twist-3 quark-gluon correlations. Vertical (horizontal) bars on the data indicate statistical uncertainties (bin widths). The systematic error bands exclude a $\pm12\%$ beam polarization normalization uncertainty.
We report the measurements of $\Sigma (1385)$ and $\Lambda (1520)$ production in $p+p$ and $Au+Au$ collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV from the STAR collaboration. The yields and the $p_{T}$ spectra are presented and discussed in terms of chemical and thermal freeze-out conditions and compared to model predictions. Thermal and microscopic models do not adequately describe the yields of all the resonances produced in central $Au+Au$ collisions. Our results indicate that there may be a time-span between chemical and thermal freeze-out during which elastic hadronic interactions occur.
The transverse mass spectra for $\Sigma^{∗}$ and $\Lambda^{∗}$ in p+p and in central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV. Statistical and systematical errors are included.
Resonance to stable particle ratios for p + p and Au + Au collisions. The ratios are normalized to unity in p + p and compared to thermal and UrQMD model predictions for central Au + Au [8, 12]. Statistical and systematic uncertainties are included in the error bars. (In the paper figure, K*/K dNCh/dy axis is shifted +30 for visual purposes to seperate the error bar contributions.)
We present first measurements of the pseudorapidity and azimuth $(\eta,\phi)$ bin-size dependence of event-wise mean transverse momentum $<p_{t} >$ fluctuations for Au-Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV. We invert that dependence to obtain $p_t$ autocorrelations on differences $(\eta_\Delta,\phi_\Delta)$ interpreted to represent velocity/temperature distributions on ($\eta,\phi$). The general form of the autocorrelations suggests that the basic correlation mechanism is parton fragmentation. The autocorrelations vary strongly with collision centrality, which suggests that fragmentation is strongly modified by a dissipative medium in the more central
Correlation amplitudes $B_{1}, B_{2}, B_{3}$ as well as positive-peak widths for pseudorapidity ($\sigma_{\eta_{1}}$) and azimuth ($\sigma_{\phi_{1}}$), plotted on mean participant path length $\nu$.
Correlations in the hadron distributions produced in relativistic Au+Au collisions are studied in the discrete wavelet expansion method. The analysis is performed in the space of pseudorapidity (|eta| < 1) and azimuth (full 2 pi) in bins of transverse momentum (p_t) from 0.14 < p_t < 2.1 GeV/c. In peripheral Au+Au collisions a correlation structure ascribed to mini-jet fragmentation is observed. It evolves with collision centrality and p_t in a way not seen before which suggests strong dissipation of minijet fragmentation in the longitudinally-expanding medium.
Normalized dynamic texture for fineness scale m = 0
Normalized dynamic texture for fineness scale m = 1
Normalized dynamic texture for fineness scale m = 0
We present results for two-particle transverse momentum correlations, <dpt,i dpt,j>, as a function of event centrality for Au+Au collisions at sqrt(sNN) = 20, 62, 130, and 200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. We observe correlations decreasing with centrality that are similar at all four incident energies. The correlations multiplied by the multiplicity density increase with incident energy and the centrality dependence may show evidence of processes such as thermalization, minijet production, or the saturation of transverse flow. The square root of the correlations divided by the event-wise average transverse momentum per event shows little or no beam energy dependence and generally agrees with previous measurements at the Super Proton Synchrotron.
Average transverse momentum per event for Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 20 GeV for the 5% most central collisions.
Average transverse momentum per event for Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62 GeV for the 5% most central collisions.
Average transverse momentum per event for Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 130 GeV for the 5% most central collisions.
We report the first di-jet transverse momentum asymmetry measurements from Au+Au and p+p collisions at RHIC. The two highest-energy back-to-back jets reconstructed from fragments with transverse momenta above 2 GeV/c display a significantly stronger momentum imbalance in heavy-ion collisions than in the p+p reference. When re-examined with correlated soft particles included, we observe that these di-jets then exhibit a unique new feature -- momentum balance is restored to that observed in p+p for a jet resolution parameter of R=0.4, while re-balancing is not attained with a smaller value of R=0.2.
Normalized AJ distributions for Au+Au HT data (filled symbols) and p+p HT $\oplus$ Au+Au MB (open symbols). The red circles points are for jets found using only constituents with $p^{Cut}_{T} > 2$ GeV/$c$ and the black squares for matched jets found using constituents with $p^{Cut}_{T} > 0.2$ GeV/$c$. In all cases $R = 0.4$.
$p_{T}^{Part}$ vs. $p_{T}^{Det}$ for Leading jets with $R = 0.4$.
$p_{T}^{Part}$ vs. $p_{T}^{Det}$ for Leading jets with $R = 0.2$.
Yields, correlation shapes, and mean transverse momenta \pt{} of charged particles associated with intermediate to high-\pt{} trigger particles ($2.5 < \pt < 10$ \GeVc) in d+Au and Au+Au collisions at $\snn=200$ GeV are presented. For associated particles at higher $\pt \gtrsim 2.5$ \GeVc, narrow correlation peaks are seen in d+Au and Au+Au, indicating that the main production mechanism is jet fragmentation. At lower associated particle $\pt < 2$ \GeVc, a large enhancement of the near- ($\dphi \sim 0$) and away-side ($\dphi \sim \pi$) associated yields is found, together with a strong broadening of the away-side azimuthal distributions in Au+Au collisions compared to d+Au measurements, suggesting that other particle production mechanisms play a role. This is further supported by the observed significant softening of the away-side associated particle yield distribution at $\dphi \sim \pi$ in central Au+Au collisions.
Background-subtracted azimuthal angle difference distributions for associated particles with pT between 1.0 and 2.5 GeV/c and for different ranges of trigger particle pT , ranging from 2.5 − 3.0 GeV/c to 3.0 − 4.0 GeV/c. Results are shown for Au+Au collisions with different centrality and d+Au reference results. The rapidity range is |eta| < 1 and as a result the rapidity-difference |deta| < 2. Results are shown for a restricted acceptance of |deta| < 0.7, using tracks within |eta| < 1. The upper and lower range of the systematic uncertainty due to the v2 modulation of the subtracted background is indicated as well.
Background-subtracted azimuthal angle difference distributions for associated particles with pT between 1.0 and 2.5 GeV/c and for different ranges of trigger particle pT , ranging from 4.0 − 6.0 GeV/c to 6.0 − 10.0 GeV/c. Results are shown for Au+Au collisions with different centrality and d+Au reference results. The rapidity range is |eta| < 1 and as a result the rapidity-difference |deta| < 2. Results are shown for a restricted acceptance of |deta| < 0.7, using tracks within |eta| < 1. The upper and lower range of the systematic uncertainty due to the v2 modulation of the subtracted background is indicated as well.
Background-subtracted azimuthal angle difference distributions for different trigger particle pT and associated pT in 0-12% central Au+Au collisions and d+Au reference results. The rapidity range is |eta| < 1 and as a result the rapidity-difference |deta| < 2. Results are shown for a restricted acceptance of |deta| < 0.7, using tracks within |eta| < 1. The upper and lower range of the systematic uncertainty due to the v2 modulation of the subtracted background is indicated as well.
We report the first measurement of the elliptic anisotropy ($v_2$) of the charm meson $D^0$ at mid-rapidity ($|y|$\,$<$\,1) in Au+Au collisions at \sNN = 200\,GeV. The measurement was conducted by the STAR experiment at RHIC utilizing a new high-resolution silicon tracker. The measured $D^0$ $v_2$ in 0--80\% centrality Au+Au collisions can be described by a viscous hydrodynamic calculation for transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) less than 4\,GeV/$c$. The $D^0$ $v_2$ as a function of transverse kinetic energy ($m_{\rm T} - m_0$, where $m_{\rm T} = \sqrt{p_{\rm T}^2 + m_0^2}$) is consistent with that of light mesons in 10--40\% centrality Au+Au collisions. These results suggest that charm quarks have achieved local thermal equilibrium with the medium created in such collisions. Several theoretical models, with the temperature--dependent, dimensionless charm spatial diffusion coefficient ($2{\pi}TD_s$) in the range of $\sim$2--12, are able to simultaneously reproduce our $D^0$ $v_2$ result and our previously published results for the $D^0$ nuclear modification factor.
Azimuthal anisotropy $v_2$ as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ for $D^0$ in 10%–40% centrality Au+Au collisions.
Azimuthal anisotropy $v_2$ as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ for $D^0$ in 0%–80% centrality Au+Au collisions.
Azimuthal correlations for large transverse momentum charged hadrons have been measured over a wide pseudo-rapidity range and full azimuth in Au+Au and p+p collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. The small-angle correlations observed in p+p collisions and at all centralities of Au+Au collisions are characteristic of hard-scattering processes already observed in elementary collisions. A strong back-to-back correlation exists for p+p and peripheral Au + Au. In contrast, the back-to-back correlations are reduced considerably in the most central Au+Au collisions, indicating substantial interaction as the hard-scattered partons or their fragmentation products traverse the medium.
Azimuthal distributions of opposite-sign pairs in p+p collisions. All correlation functions require a trigger particle with $4<p_T^{\rm trig}<6$ GeV/$c$ and associated particles with $2<p_T<p_T^{\rm trig}$ GeV/$c$.
Azimuthal distributions of same-sign pairs in p+p collisions. All correlation functions require a trigger particle with $4<p_T^{\rm trig}<6$ GeV/$c$ and associated particles with $2<p_T<p_T^{\rm trig}$ GeV/$c$.
Azimuthal distributions of same-sign and opposite-sign pairs in minimum bias and background-subtracted 0-10% central Au+Au collisions. All correlation functions require a trigger particle with $4<p_T^{\rm trig}<6$ GeV/$c$ and associated particles with $2<p_T<p_T^{\rm trig}$ GeV/$c$.
We present the first study of the energy dependence of $p_t$ angular correlations inferred from event-wise mean transverse momentum $<p_{t} >$ fluctuations in heavy ion collisions. We compare our large-acceptance measurements at CM energies $\sqrt{s_{NN}} =$ 19.6, 62.4, 130 and 200 GeV to SPS measurements at 12.3 and 17.3 GeV. $p_t$ angular correlation structure suggests that the principal source of $p_t$ correlations and fluctuations is minijets (minimum-bias parton fragments). We observe a dramatic increase in correlations and fluctuations from SPS to RHIC energies, increasing linearly with $\ln \sqrt{s_{NN}}$ from the onset of observable jet-related $<p_{t}>$ fluctuations near 10 GeV.
Per-particle fluctuation dependence on pseudorapidity scale $\delta\eta$ in central collisions.
Per-particle fluctuation dependence on pseudorapidity scale $\delta\eta$ in central collisions.
Centrality dependence of $<p_t>$ fluctuations in the STAR acceptance for four energies. $\nu$ is the mean participant path length (please consult text).
We measure directed flow ($v_1$) for charged particles in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} =$ 200 GeV and 62.4 GeV, as a function of pseudorapidity ($\eta$), transverse momentum ($p_t$) and collision centrality, based on data from the STAR experiment. We find that the directed flow depends on the incident energy but, contrary to all existing models, not on the size of the colliding system at a given centrality. We extend the validity of the limiting fragmentation concept to different collision systems, and investigate possible explanations for the observed sign change in $v_1(p_t)$.
Charged particle $v_1(\eta)$ for 0-5 % centrality in Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV.
$<P_x>/<P_t>$ of charged particles as a function of pseudorapidity, for centrality 0-5% in Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV.
Charged particle $v_1(\eta)$ for 5-40 % centrality in Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV.