We report the systematic measurement of protons and light nuclei production in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}$ = 3 GeV by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The transverse momentum ($p_{T}$) spectra of protons ($p$), deuterons ($d$), tritons ($t$), $^{3}\mathrm{He}$, and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ are measured from mid-rapidity to target rapidity for different collision centralities. We present the rapidity and centrality dependence of particle yields ($dN/dy$), average transverse momentum ($\langle p_{T}\rangle$), yield ratios ($d/p$, $t/p$,$^{3}\mathrm{He}/p$, $^{4}\mathrm{He}/p$), as well as the coalescence parameters ($B_2$, $B_3$). The 4$\pi$ yields for various particles are determined by utilizing the measured rapidity distributions, $dN/dy$. Furthermore, we present the energy, centrality, and rapidity dependence of the compound yield ratios ($N_{p} \times N_{t} / N_{d}^{2}$) and compare them with various model calculations. The physics implications of those results on the production mechanism of light nuclei and on QCD phase structure are discussed.
Weak decay feed-down fraction of protons (%) at different centralities in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 GeV. The statistical and systematic uncertainties are shown respectively.
Transverse momentum spectra of primordial protons in 0-10% Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 GeV. The statistical and systematic uncertainties are shown respectively.
Transverse momentum spectra of primordial protons in 10-20% Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 GeV. The statistical and systematic uncertainties are shown respectively.
We present systematic measurements of azimuthal anisotropy for strange and multistrange hadrons ($K^{0}_{s}$, $\Lambda$, $\Xi$, and $\Omega$) and $\phi$ mesons at midrapidity ($|y| <$ 1.0) in collisions of U + U nuclei at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 193$ GeV, recorded by the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Transverse momentum ($p_{\text{T}}$) dependence of flow coefficients ($v_{2}$, $v_{3}$, and $v_{4}$) is presented for minimum bias collisions and three different centrality intervals. Number of constituent quark scaling of the measured flow coefficients in U + U collisions is discussed. We also present the ratio of $v_{n}$ scaled by the participant eccentricity ($\varepsilon_{n}\left\lbrace 2 \right\rbrace$) to explore system size dependence and collectivity in U + U collisions. The magnitude of $v_{2}/\varepsilon_{2}$ is found to be smaller in U + U collisions than that in central Au + Au collisions contradicting naive eccentricity scaling. Furthermore, the ratios between various flow harmonics ($v_{3}/v_{2}^{3/2}$, $v_{4}/v_{2}^{4/2}$) are studied and compared with hydrodynamic and transport model calculations.
Event plane resolution as a function of centrality for $\psi_{2}$, $\psi_{3}$, and $\psi_{4}$ in U+U collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 193 GeV. The statistical uncertainties are smaller than the markers.
The $p_{\text{T}}$ dependence of $v_{n}$ coefficients at mid-rapidity ($|y| <$ 1) in minimum bias U+U collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 193 GeV. The error bars represent statistical uncertainties. The bands represent point-by-point systematic uncertainties.
The $p_{\text{T}}$ dependence of $v_{n}$ coefficients at mid-rapidity ($|y| <$ 1) in minimum bias U+U collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 193 GeV. The error bars represent statistical uncertainties. The bands represent point-by-point systematic uncertainties.
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 new STAR measurements of the single-spin asymmetries $A_L$ for $W^+$ and $W^-$ bosons produced in polarized proton--proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 510 GeV as a function of the decay-positron and decay-electron pseudorapidity. The data were obtained in 2013 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 250 pb$^{-1}$. The results are combined with previous results obtained with 86 pb$^{-1}$. A comparison with theoretical expectations based on polarized lepton-nucleon deep-inelastic scattering and prior polarized proton--proton data suggests a difference between the $\bar{u}$ and $\bar{d}$ quark helicity distributions for $0.05 < x < 0.25$. In addition, we report new results for the double-spin asymmetries $A_{LL}$ for $W^\pm$, as well as $A_L$ for $Z/\gamma^*$ production and subsequent decay into electron--positron pairs.
Distribution of the product of Q, the TPC recon-structed charge-sign, and $E_T/p_T$ in the BEMC region.
Distribution of the product of Q, the TPC recon-structed charge-sign, and $E_T/p_T$ in the EEMC region.
$E_T^e$ distributions of electron candidate events, background contributions, and sum of backgrounds and $W \rightarrow e\nu$ MC signal in the BEMC region for $-1.1 < \eta_e < -0.5$.
The $\Lambda$ ($\bar{\Lambda}$) hyperon polarization along the beam direction has been measured for the first time in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}$ = 200 GeV. The polarization dependence on the hyperons' emission angle relative to the second-order event plane exhibits a sine modulation, indicating a quadrupole pattern of the vorticity component along the beam direction. The polarization is found to increase in more peripheral collisions, and shows no strong transverse momentum ($p_T$) dependence at $p_T>1$ GeV/$c$. The magnitude of the signal is about five times smaller than those predicted by hydrodynamic and multiphase transport models; the observed phase of the emission angle dependence is also opposite to these model predictions. In contrast, blast-wave model calculations reproduce the modulation phase measured in the data and capture the centrality and transverse momentum dependence of the signal once the model is required to reproduce the azimuthal dependence of the Gaussian source radii measured via the Hanbury-Brown and Twiss intensity interferometry technique.
$\langle \cos\theta_p* \rangle$ of $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons as a function of azimuthal angle $\phi$ relative to the second-order event plane $\Psi_2$ for 20%–60% centrality bin in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV.
The second Fourier sine coefficient $\langle P_Z \sin(2\phi-2\Psi_2) \rangle$ of the polarization of $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ along the beam direction as a function of the collision centrality in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV.
The second Fourier sine coefficient $\langle P_Z \sin(2\phi-2\Psi_2) \rangle$ of the polarization of $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ along the beam direction as a function of the collision centrality in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV. Results updated with $\alpha_{\Lambda} = -\alpha_{\bar{\Lambda}} = 0.732$.
The longitudinal spin transfer $D_{LL}$ to $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons produced in high-energy polarized proton--proton collisions is expected to be sensitive to the helicity distribution functions of strange quarks and anti-quarks of the proton, and to longitudinally polarized fragmentation functions. We report an improved measurement of $D_{LL}$ from data obtained at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV with the STAR detector at RHIC. The data have an approximately twelve times larger figure-of-merit than prior results and cover $|\eta|<$ 1.2 in pseudo-rapidity with transverse momenta $p_T$ up to 6 GeV/c. In the forward scattering hemisphere at largest $p_T$, the longitudinal spin transfer is found to be $D_{LL}$ = -0.036 $\pm$ 0.048 (stat) $\pm$ 0.013(sys) for $\Lambda$ hyperons and $D_{LL}$ = 0.032 $\pm$ 0.043\,(stat) $\pm$ 0.013\,(sys) for $\bar{\Lambda}$ anti-hyperons. The dependences on $\eta$ and $p_T$ are presented and compared with model evaluations.
The invariant mass distribution for $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ candidates with 3 < p_T < $ 4 GeV/c in this analysis
The raw spin transfer $D _{LL}^{raw}$ versus cos$\theta^*$ for a) $\Lambda$ and b) $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons and c) the spin asymmetry $\delta_{LL}$ for the control sample of $K_S^0$ mesons versus cos$\theta^*$ for $3<p_T<4$ GeV/c for JP1 triggered sample.
The raw spin transfer $D _{LL}^{raw}$ versus cos$\theta^*$ for a) $\Lambda$ and b) $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons and c) the spin asymmetry $\delta_{LL}$ for the control sample of $K_S^0$ mesons versus cos$\theta^*$ for $3<p_T<4$ GeV/c for JP1 triggered sample. Results updated with $\alpha_{\Lambda (\bar{\Lambda})} = 0.732$.
We report precision measurements of hypernuclei ${}^3_\Lambda \rm{H}$ and ${}^4_\Lambda \rm{H}$ lifetimes obtained from Au+Au collisions at \snn = 3.0 GeV and 7.2 GeV collected by the STAR experiment at RHIC, and the first measurement of ${}^3_\Lambda \rm{H}$ and ${}^4_\Lambda \rm{H}$ mid-rapidity yields in Au+Au collisions at \snn = 3.0 GeV. ${}^3_\Lambda \rm{H}$ and ${}^4_\Lambda \rm{H}$, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be $221\pm15(\rm stat.)\pm19(\rm syst.)$ ps for ${}^3_\Lambda \rm{H}$ and $218\pm6(\rm stat.)\pm13(\rm syst.)$ ps for ${}^4_\Lambda \rm{H}$. The $p_T$-integrated yields of ${}^3_\Lambda \rm{H}$ and ${}^4_\Lambda \rm{H}$ are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of ${}^4_\Lambda \rm{H}$ is different for 0--10% and 10--50% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the ${}^3_\Lambda \rm{H}$ yield well, while underestimating the ${}^4_\Lambda \rm{H}$ yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (JAM) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (PHQMD) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured ${}^3_\Lambda \rm{H}$ and ${}^4_\Lambda \rm{H}$ yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.
The measured $^{3}_{\Lambda}$H and $^{4}_{\Lambda}$H lifetimes from STAR (2021)
B.R. times dN/dy of $^{3}_{\Lambda}$H vs y in 3 GeV 0-10% Au+Au collisions
B.R. times dN/dy of $^{4}_{\Lambda}$H vs y in 3 GeV 0-10% Au+Au collisions
Measurement by the STAR experiment at RHIC of the cold nuclear matter (CNM) effects experienced by inclusive $J/\psi$ at mid-rapidity in 0-100%$p$+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\mathrm{NN}}}}$ = 200 GeV is presented. Such effects are quantified utilizing the nuclear modification factor, $R_{p\mathrm{Au}}$, obtained by taking a ratio of $J/\psi$ yield in $p$+Au collisions to that in $p$+$p$ collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. The differential $J/\psi$ yield in both $p$+$p$ and $p$+Au collisions is measured through the dimuon decay channel, taking advantage of the trigger capability provided by the Muon Telescope Detector in the RHIC 2015 run. Consequently, the $J/\psi$$R_{p\mathrm{Au}}$ is derived within the transverse momentum ($p_{\mathrm{T}}$) range of 0 to 10 GeV/$c$. A suppression of approximately 30% is observed for $p_{\mathrm{T}}<2$ GeV/$c$, while $J/\psi$ $R_{p\mathrm{Au}}$ becomes compatible with unity for $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ greater than 3 GeV/$c$, indicating the $J/\psi$ yield is minimally affected by the CNM effects at high $p_{\mathrm{T}}$. Comparison to a similar measurement from 0-20% central Au+Au collisions reveals that the observed strong $J/\psi$ suppression above 3 Gev/$c$ is mostly due to the hot medium effects, providing strong evidence for the formation of the quark-gluon plasma in these collisions. Several model calculations show qualitative agreement with the measured $J/\psi$ $R_{p\mathrm{Au}}$, while their agreement with the $J/\psi$ yields in $p$+$p$ and $p$+Au collisions is worse.
Inclusive J/psi cross section times branching ratio of the dimuon decay channel in p+p collisions at 200 GeV. Global uncertainty of 12.5% not shown.
Inclusive J/psi cross section times branching ratio of the dimuon decay channel in p+Au collisions at 200 GeV. Global uncertainty of 1.5% not shown.
R_pAu of inclusive J/psi in p+Au collisions at 200 GeV. Global uncertainty of 13.9% not shown.
A precise measurement of the hypertriton lifetime is presented. In this letter, the mesonic decay modes $\mathrm{{^3_\Lambda}H \rightarrow ^3He + \pi^-}$ and $\mathrm{{^3_\Lambda}H \rightarrow d + p + \pi^-}$ are used to reconstruct the hypertriton from Au+Au collision data collected by the STAR collaboration at RHIC. A minimum $\chi^2$ estimation is used to determine the lifetime of $\tau = 142^{+24}_{-21}\,{\rm (stat.)} {\pm} 31\,{\rm (syst.)}$ ps. This lifetime is about 50\% shorter than the lifetime $\tau = 263\pm2$ ps of a free $\Lambda$, indicating strong hyperon-nucleon interaction in the hypernucleus system. The branching ratios of the mesonic decay channels are also determined to satisfy B.R.$_{(^3{\rm He}+\pi^-)}/$(B.R.$_{(^3{\rm He}+\pi^-)}+$B.R.$_{(d+p+\pi^-)})$ = $0.32\rm{\pm}0.05\,{\rm (stat.)}\pm 0.08\,{\rm (syst.)}$. Our ratio result favors the assignment $J(\mathrm{^{3}_{\Lambda}H})$ = $\frac{1}{2}$ over $J(\mathrm{^{3}_{\Lambda}H})$ = $\frac{3}{2}$. These measurements will help to constrain models of hyperon-baryon interactions.
The hypertriton yield as a function of ~l/βγ for each of the two analyzed decay channels. The redpoints are for 2-body decays in four bins of ~l/βγ. The yields indicate the number of $^3_{\Lambda}$H per million events for each channel, and are already divided by the theoretical branching ratio 24.89% for the 2-body channel. The data points are fitted with the usual radioactive decay function. Using a minimum chisquare estimation.
The hypertriton yield as a function of l/βγ for each of the two analyzed decay channels. The bluesquares are for 3-body decays in four bins of l/βγ. The yield of hypertriton per million events in 3-body correct for theoretical branching ratio 40.06% 3-body channel. The data points are fitted with the usual radioactive decay function. Using a minimum chisquare estimation.
A summary of worldwide $^3_{\Lambda}$H lifetime experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. The two star markers are the STAR collaboration’s measurement published in 2010 and the present analysis. This measurement was based on the 3-body decay channel $^3_{\Lambda}$H→p+d+π−in a nuclear emulsion experiment. The shorter lifetime was attributed to the dissociation of the lightly-bound Λ and deuteron when traveling in a dense medium.
The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, $A_{LL}$, for neutral pions produced at forward directions in polarized proton-proton collisions, at a center-of-mass energy of $510$ GeV. Results are given for transverse momenta in the range $2
Longitudinal Double-Spin Asymmetry, $A_{LL}$ vs $\pi^0$ transverse momentum in polarized pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 510 GeV. $\pm 6.7\%$ polarization scale uncertainty not shown.
Longitudinal Double-Spin Asymmetry, $A_{LL}$ vs $\pi^0$ transverse momentum in polarized pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 510 GeV. $\pm 6.7\%$ polarization scale uncertainty not shown.
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