We present the results of three-dimensional femtoscopic analyses for charged and neutral kaons recorded by ALICE in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 2.76 TeV. Femtoscopy is used to measure the space-time characteristics of particle production from the effects of quantum statistics and final-state interactions in two-particle correlations. Kaon femtoscopy is an important supplement to that of pions because it allows one to distinguish between different model scenarios working equally well for pions. In particular, we compare the measured 3D kaon radii with a purely hydrodynamical calculation and a model where the hydrodynamic phase is followed by a hadronic rescattering stage. The former predicts an approximate transverse mass ($m_{\mathrm{T}}$) scaling of source radii obtained from pion and kaon correlations. This $m_{\mathrm{T}}$ scaling appears to be broken in our data, which indicates the importance of the hadronic rescattering phase at LHC energies. A $k_{\mathrm{T}}$ scaling of pion and kaon source radii is observed instead. The time of maximal emission of the system is estimated using the three-dimensional femtoscopic analysis for kaons. The measured emission time is larger than that of pions. Our observation is well supported by the hydrokinetic model predictions.
Out projection of raw 3D LCMS K+- K+- correlation function for 0.2 < kT < 0.4 GeV/c bin.
Side projection of raw 3D LCMS K+- K+- correlation function for 0.2 < kT < 0.4 GeV/c bin
Long projection of raw 3D LCMS K+- K+- correlation function for 0.2 < kT < 0.4 GeV/c bin
We present a measurement of azimuthal correlations between inclusive J/$\psi$ and charged hadrons in p-Pb collisions recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC. The J/$\psi$ are reconstructed at forward (p-going, 2.03 $<$ y $<$ 3.53) and backward (Pb-going, $-$4.46 $<$ y $<$ $-$2.96) rapidity via their $\mu^+\mu^-$ decay channel, while the charged hadrons are reconstructed at mid-rapidity ($|\eta|$ $<$ 1.8). The correlations are expressed in terms of associated charged-hadron yields per J/$\psi$ trigger. A rapidity gap of at least 1.5 units is required between the trigger J/$\psi$ and the associated charged hadrons. Possible correlations due to collective effects are assessed by subtracting the associated per-trigger yields in the low-multiplicity collisions from those in the high-multiplicity collisions. After the subtraction, we observe a strong indication of remaining symmetric structures at $\Delta\varphi$ $\approx$ 0 and $\Delta\varphi$ $\approx$ $\pi$, similar to those previously found in two-particle correlations at middle and forward rapidity. The corresponding second-order Fourier coefficient ($v_2$) in the transverse momentum interval between 3 and 6 GeV/$c$ is found to be positive with a significance of about 5$\sigma$. The obtained results are similar to the J/$\psi$ $v_2$ coefficients measured in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV, suggesting a common mechanism at the origin of the J/$\psi$ $v_2$.
$v_2^{J/\psi}${2,sub} in bins of $p_T^{J/\psi}$ for p-Pb collisions in proton-going direction at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV. The quoted global systematic uncertainties correspond to the combined statistical and systematic uncertainties of the measured $v_2^{tracklet}$ coefficient. The results are obtained by subtracting associated per-trigger yields in low-multiplicity (40-100% V0M) collisions from the yields in high-multiplicity (0-20% V0M) collisions.
$v_2^{J/\psi}${2,sub} in bins of $p_T^{J/\psi}$ for p-Pb collisions in Pb-going direction at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV. The quoted global systematic uncertainties correspond to the combined statistical and systematic uncertainties of the measured $v_2^{tracklet}$ coefficient. The results are obtained by subtracting associated per-trigger yields in low-multiplicity (40-100% V0M) collisions from the yields in high-multiplicity (0-20% V0M) collisions.
$v_2^{J/\psi}${2,sub} in bins of $p_T^{J/\psi}$ for p-Pb collisions in proton-going direction at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 8.16 TeV. The quoted global systematic uncertainties correspond to the combined statistical and systematic uncertainties of the measured $v_2^{tracklet}$ coefficient. The results are obtained by subtracting associated per-trigger yields in low-multiplicity (40-100% V0M) collisions from the yields in high-multiplicity (0-20% V0M) collisions.
We present the first ever measurements of femtoscopic correlations between the K$^0_{\rm S}$ and K$^{\rm \pm}$ particles. The analysis was performed on the data from Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=2.76$ TeV measured by the ALICE experiment. The observed femtoscopic correlations are consistent with final-state interactions proceeding via the $a_0(980)$ resonance. The extracted kaon source radius and correlation strength parameters for K$^0_{\rm S}$K$^{\rm -}$ are found to be equal within the experimental uncertainties to those for K$^0_{\rm S}$K$^{\rm +}$. Comparing the results of the present study with those from published identical-kaon femtoscopic studies by ALICE, mass and coupling parameters for the $a_0$ resonance are constrained. Our results are also compatible with the interpretation of the $a_0$ having a tetraquark structure over that of a diquark.
Raw K0s K+ correlation function for all kT bin
Raw K0s K+ correlation function for kT < 0.675 GeV/c bin
Raw K0s K+ correlation function for kT > 0.675 GeV/c bin
$\phi$ meson measurements provide insight into strangeness production, which is one of the key observables for the hot medium formed in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. ALICE measured $\phi$ production through its decay in muon pairs in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV in the intermediate transverse momentum range $2 < p_{\rm T} < 5$ GeV/$c$ and in the rapidity interval $2.5<y<4$. The $\phi$ yield was measured as a function of the transverse momentum and collision centrality. The nuclear modification factor was obtained as a function of the average number of participating nucleons. Results were compared with the ones obtained via the kaon decay channel in the same $p_{\rm T}$ range at midrapidity. The values of the nuclear modification factor in the two rapidity regions are in agreement within uncertainties.
phi yield as a function of $p_\mathrm{T}$ at forward rapidity in pp collisions.
phi yield as a function of $p_\mathrm{T}$ at forward rapidity in Pb-Pb collisions for 0-40\% centrality.
phi yield as a function of $p_\mathrm{T}$ at forward rapidity in Pb-Pb collisions for 40-90\% centrality (scaled by 3 in the figure).
An invariant differential cross section measurement of inclusive $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ meson production at mid-rapidity in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=8$ TeV was carried out by the ALICE experiment at the LHC. The spectra of $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ mesons were measured in transverse momentum ranges of $0.3<p_{\rm T}<35$ GeV/$c$ and $0.5<p_{\rm T}<35$ GeV/$c$, respectively. Next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations using fragmentation functions DSS14 for the $\pi^{0}$ and AESSS for the $\eta$ overestimate the cross sections of both neutral mesons, although such calculations agree with the measured $\eta/\pi^{0}$ ratio within uncertainties. The results were also compared with PYTHIA~8.2 predictions for which the Monash~2013 tune yields the best agreement with the measured neutral meson spectra. The measurements confirm a universal behavior of the $\eta/\pi^{0}$ ratio seen for NA27, PHENIX and ALICE data for pp collisions from $\sqrt{s}=27.5$ GeV to $\sqrt{s}=8$ TeV within experimental uncertainties. A relation between the $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ production cross sections for pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=8$ TeV is given by $m_{\rm T}$ scaling for $p_{\rm T}>3.5$ GeV/$c$. However, a deviation from this empirical scaling rule is observed for transverse momenta below $p_{\rm T}<3.5$ GeV/$c$ in the $\eta/\pi^0$ ratio with a significance of $6.2\sigma$.
Invariant differential cross section of $\pi^0$ produced in inelastic pp collisions at center-of-mass energy 8 TeV, the uncertainty of $\sigma_{MB}$ of 2.6% is not included in the systematic error.
Invariant differential cross section of $\pi^0$ produced in inelastic pp collisions at center of mass energy 8 TeV, the uncertainty of $\sigma_{MB}$ of 2.6% is not included in the systematic error.
Invariant differential cross section of $\eta$ produced in inelastic pp collisions at center-of-mass energy 8 TeV, the uncertainty of $\sigma_{MB}$ of 2.6% is not included in the systematic error.
Inclusive J/$\psi$ production is studied in p-Pb interactions at a centre-of-mass energy per nucleon-nucleon collision $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=8.16$ TeV, using the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC. The J/$\psi$ meson is reconstructed, via its decay to a muon pair, in the centre-of-mass rapidity intervals $2.03<y_{\rm {cms}}<3.53$ and $-4.46<y_{\rm {cms}}<-2.96$, where positive and negative $y_{\rm {cms}}$ refer to the p-going and Pb-going direction, respectively. The transverse momentum coverage is $p_{\rm T}<20$ GeV/$c$. In this paper, $y_{\rm cms}$- and $p_{\rm T}$-differential cross sections for inclusive J/$\psi$ production are presented, and the corresponding nuclear modification factors $R_{\rm pPb}$ are shown. Forward results show a suppression of the J/$\psi$ yield with respect to pp collisions, concentrated in the region $p_{\rm T}\lesssim 5$ GeV/$c$. At backward rapidity no significant suppression is observed. The results are compared to previous measurements by ALICE in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV and to theoretical calculations. Finally, the ratios $R_{\rm FB}$ between forward- and backward-$y_{\rm {cms}}$ $R_{\rm pPb}$ values are shown and discussed.
The y-differential inclusive JPsi cross section obtained in p-Pb and Pb-p collisions. The first uncertainty is statistical, the second one is the uncorrelated systematic uncertainty, while the third one is the global uncertainty common to p-Pb and Pb-p results.
The pt-differential inclusive JPsi cross section obtained in Pb-p collisions. The first uncertainty is statistical, the second one is the uncorrelated systematic uncertainty, while the third one is the global uncertainty common to p-Pb and Pb-p results.
The pt-differential inclusive JPsi nuclear modification factor obtained in p-Pb. The first uncertainty is statistical, the second one is the uncorrelated systematic uncertainty, while the third one is the global uncertainty common to p-Pb and Pb-p results.
Neutral pion and $\eta$ meson invariant differential yields were measured in non-single diffractive p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV with the ALICE experiment at the CERN LHC. The analysis combines results from three complementary photon measurements, utilizing the PHOS and EMCal calorimeters and the Photon Conversion Method. The invariant differential yields of $\pi^0$ and $\eta$ meson inclusive production are measured near mid-rapidity in a broad transverse momentum range of $0.3<p_{\rm T}< 20$ GeV/$c$ and $0.7<p_{\rm T}<20$ GeV/$c$, respectively. The measured $\eta$/$\pi^{0}$ ratio increases with $p_{\rm T}$ and saturates for $p_{\rm T} > 4$ GeV/$c$ at $0.483\pm 0.015_{\rm stat}\pm 0.015_{\rm sys}$. A deviation from $m_{\rm T}$ scaling is observed for $p_{\rm T}<2$ GeV/$c$. The measured $\eta$/$\pi^{0}$ ratio is consistent with previous measurements from proton-nucleus and pp collisions over the full $p_{\rm T}$ range. The measured $\eta$/$\pi^{0}$ ratio at high $p_{\rm T}$ also agrees within uncertainties with measurements from nucleus-nucleus collisions. The $\pi^0$ and $\eta$ yields in p-Pb relative to the scaled pp interpolated reference, $R_{\rm pPb}$, are presented for $0.3<p_{\rm T}<20$ GeV/$c$ and $0.7<p_{\rm T}< 20$ GeV/$c$, respectively. The results are compared with theoretical model calculations. The values of $R_{\rm pPb}$ are consistent with unity for transverse momenta above 2 GeV/$c$. These results support the interpretation that the suppressed yield of neutral mesons measured in Pb-Pb collisions at LHC energies is due to parton energy loss in the hot QCD medium.
Invariant differential yield of PI0 produced in NSD p-Pp collisions with centre-of-mass energy/nucleon 5.02 TeV.
Invariant differential yields of ETA produced in NSD p-Pb collisions with centre-of-mass energy/nucleon 5.02 TeV.
The measured ratio of invariant yields for inclusive ETA to PI0 production at a centre-of-mass energy/nucleon 5.02 TeV.
The first measurement of e$^+$e$^-$ pair production at mid-rapidity ($|\eta_{{\rm e}}|$ $<$ 0.8) in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV with ALICE at the LHC is presented. The dielectron production is studied as a function of the invariant mass ($m_{\rm ee}$ $<$ 3.3 GeV/$c^{2}$), the pair transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T,ee}$ $<$ 8 GeV/$c$), and the pair transverse impact parameter (DCA$_{{\rm ee}}$), i.e., the average distance of closest approach of the reconstructed electron and positron tracks to the collision vertex, normalised to its resolution. The results are compared with the expectations from a cocktail of known hadronic sources and are well described when PYTHIA is used to generate the heavy-flavour contributions. In the low-mass region (0.14 $<$ $m_{\rm ee}$ $<$ 1.1 GeV/$c^{2}$), prompt and non-prompt e$^+$e$^-$ sources can be separated via the DCA$_{\rm ee}$. In the intermediate-mass region (1.1 $<$ $m_{\rm ee}$ $<$ 2.7 GeV/$c^{2}$), a double-differential fit to the data in $m_{\rm ee}$ and $p_{\rm T,ee}$ and a fit of the DCA$_{\rm ee}$ distribution allow the total ${\rm c\overline c}$ and ${\rm b\overline b}$ cross sections to be extracted. Two different event generators, PYTHIA and POWHEG, can reproduce the shape of the two-dimensional $m_{\rm ee}$ and $p_{\rm T,ee}$ spectra, as well as the shape of the DCA$_{\rm ee}$ distribution, reasonably well. However, differences in the ${\rm c\overline c}$ and ${\rm b\overline b}$ cross sections are observed when using the generators to extrapolate to full phase space. Finally, the ratio of inclusive to decay photons is studied via the measurement of virtual direct photons in the transverse-momentum range 1 $<$ $p_{\rm T}$ $<$ 8 GeV/$c$. This is found to be unity within the statistical and systematic uncertainties and consistent with expectations from next-to-leading order perturbative quantum chromodynamic calculations.
Inclusive $e^+e^-$ cross section in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV in the ALICE acceptance as a function of $m_{\rm ee}$.
Inclusive $e^+e^-$ cross section in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV in the ALICE acceptance as a function of $p_{\rm T,ee}$ for $m_{\rm ee}$ < 0.14 GeV/$c^{2}$.
Inclusive $e^+e^-$ cross section in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV in the ALICE acceptance as a function of $\rm DCA_{ee}$ for 0.08 < $m_{\rm ee}$ < 0.14 GeV/$c^{2}$.
The production of the charm-strange baryon $\Xi_{\rm c}^0$ is measured for the first time at the LHC via its semileptonic decay into e$^+\Xi^-\nu_{\rm e}$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV with the ALICE detector. The transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) differential cross section multiplied by the branching ratio is presented in the interval 1 $<$ $p_{\rm T}$ $<$ 8 GeV/$c$ at mid-rapidity, $|y|$ $<$ 0.5. The transverse momentum dependence of the $\Xi_{\rm c}^0$ baryon production relative to the D$^0$ meson production is compared to predictions of event generators with various tunes of the hadronisation mechanism, which are found to underestimate the measured cross-section ratio.
Inclusive $\Xi_{\rm c}^{0}$ $p_{\rm T}$ differential cross section multiplied by the branching ratio into the semileptonic decay for $|y|<0.5$.
Ratio of the $p_{\rm T}$ differential cross sections of $\Xi_{\rm c}^{0}$ baryons (multiplied by the branching ratio into the semileptonic decay) and D$^{0}$ mesons for $|y|<0.5$.
The ALICE Collaboration reports the measurement of semi-inclusive distributions of charged-particle jets recoiling from a high-transverse momentum trigger hadron in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} =5.02$ TeV. Jets are reconstructed from charged-particle tracks using the anti-$k_{\rm T}$ algorithm with resolution parameter $R=0.2$ and $0.4$. A data-driven statistical approach is used to correct the uncorrelated background jet yield. Recoil jet distributions are reported for jet transverse momentum $15<p_{\rm T,jet}^{\rm ch} <50$ GeV/$c$ and are compared in various intervals of p-Pb event activity, based on charged-particle multiplicity and zero-degree neutral energy in the forward (Pb-going) direction. The semi-inclusive observable is self-normalized and such comparisons do not require the interpretation of p-Pb event activity in terms of collision geometry, in contrast to inclusive jet observables. These measurements provide new constraints on the magnitude of jet quenching in small systems at the LHC. In p-Pb collisions with high event activity, the average medium-induced out-of-cone energy transport for jets with $R=0.4$ and $15<p_{\rm T,jet}^{\rm ch}<50$ GeV/$c$ is measured to be less than 0.4 GeV/$c$ at 90% confidence, which is over an order of magnitude smaller than a similar measurement for central Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=2.76$ TeV. Comparison is made to theoretical calculations of jet quenching in small systems, and to inclusive jet measurements in p-Pb collisions selected by event activity at the LHC and in d-Au collisions at RHIC.
Corrected Delta_{recoil} distribution of recoil jets with R=0.4 measured for p-Pb collisions at sqrt{s_{NN}} = 5.02 TeV without imposing event activity bias.
Corrected Delta_{recoil} distribution of recoil jets with R=0.4 measured for p-Pb collisions at sqrt{s_{NN}} = 5.02 TeV with event activity ZNA 0-20%.
Corrected Delta_{recoil} distribution of recoil jets with R=0.4 measured for p-Pb collisions at sqrt{s_{NN}} = 5.02 TeV with event activity ZNA 50-100%.
The production of Z$^0$ bosons at large rapidities in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV is reported. Z$^0$ candidates are reconstructed in the dimuon decay channel (${\rm Z}^0 \rightarrow \mu^+\mu^-$), based on muons selected with pseudo-rapidity $-4.0<\eta<-2.5$ and $p_{\rm T}>20$ GeV/$c$. The invariant yield and the nuclear modification factor, $R_{\rm AA}$, are presented as a function of rapidity and collision centrality. The value of $R_{\rm AA}$ for the 0-20% central Pb-Pb collisions is $0.67 \pm 0.11 \, \mbox{(stat.)} \, \pm 0.03 \, \mbox{(syst.)} \, \pm 0.06 \, \mbox{(corr. syst.)}$, exhibiting a deviation of $2.6 \sigma$ from unity. The results are well-described by calculations that include nuclear modifications of the parton distribution functions, while the predictions using vacuum PDFs deviate from data by $2.3\sigma$ in the 0-90% centrality class and by $3\sigma$ in the 0-20% central collisions.
Invariant yield of Z$^{0}$ production in 2.5 < y < 4.0 divided by the average nuclear overlap function in the 0-90% centrality class. The first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic.
Nuclear modification factor of Z$^{0}$ production in 2.5 < y < 4.0 in the 0-90% centrality class. The first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic.
Invariant yield of Z$^{0}$ production in 2.5 < y < 4.0 divided by the average nuclear overlap function as a function of rapidity in the 0-90% centrality class. The first uncertainty is statistical, the second is the uncorrelated systematic and the third is the correlated systematic.
We report on the measurement of the inclusive J/$\psi$ polarization parameters in pp collisions at a center of mass energy $\sqrt{s} = 8$ TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.23 pb$^{-1}$. J/$\psi$ resonances are reconstructed in their di-muon decay channel in the rapidity interval $2.5 < y < 4.0$ and over the transverse-momentum interval $2 < p_{\rm T} < 15$ GeV/$c$. The three polarization parameters ($\lambda_\theta$, $\lambda_\varphi$, $\lambda_{\theta\varphi}$) are measured as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ both in the helicity and Collins-Soper reference frames. The measured J/$\psi$ polarization parameters are found to be compatible with zero within uncertainties, contrary to expectations from all available predictions. The results are compared with the measurement in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV.
ALICE inclusive J/psi polarization parameters lambda_theta in the Collins-Soper frame as a function of p_T in pp collisions at sqrt{s} = 8 TeV in the rapidity interval 2.5 < y < 4.0. The error bars represent the total uncertainties.
ALICE inclusive J/psi polarization parameters lambda_phi in the Collins-Soper frame as a function of p_T in pp collisions at sqrt{s} = 8 TeV in the rapidity interval 2.5 < y < 4.0. The error bars represent the total uncertainties.
ALICE inclusive J/psi polarization parameters lambda_thetaphi in the Collins-Soper frame as a function of p_T in pp collisions at sqrt{s} = 8 TeV in the rapidity interval 2.5 < y < 4.0. The error bars represent the total uncertainties.
Neutral pion and $\eta$ meson production in the transverse momentum range 1 < $p_{T}$ < 20 GeV/$c$ have been measured at mid-rapidity by the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in central and semi-central Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV. These results were obtained using the photon conversion method as well as the PHOS and EMCal detectors. The results extend the upper $p_{T}$ reach of the previous ALICE $\pi^{0}$ measurements from 12 GeV/$c$ to 20 GeV/$c$ and present the first measurement of $\eta$ meson production in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC. The $\eta/\pi^{0}$ ratio is similar for the two centralities and reaches at high $p_{T}$ a plateau value of 0.457 $\pm$ 0.013$^{stat}$ $\pm$ 0.018$^{syst}$. A suppression of similar magnitude for $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ meson production is observed in Pb-Pb collisions with respect to their production in pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. We discuss the results in terms of NLO pQCD predictions and hydrodynamic models. The measurements show a stronger suppression with respect to what was observed at lower center-of-mass energies in the $p_{T}$ range 6 < $p_{T}$ < 10 GeV/$c$. At $p_{T}$ < 3 GeV/$c$, hadronization models describe the $\pi^{0}$ results while for the $\eta$ some tension is observed.
Invariant yields of the $\pi^{0}$ meson in the centrality class 0-10% in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt{s_NN} = 2.76 TeV at mid-rapidity.
Invariant yields of the $\pi^{0}$ meson in the centrality class 20-50% in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt{s_NN} = 2.76 TeV at mid-rapidity.
Invariant yields of the $\eta$ meson in the centrality class 0-10% in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt{s_NN} = 2.76 TeV at mid-rapidity.
Inclusive J/$\psi$ production is studied in Xe-Xe interactions at a centre-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}= 5.44$ TeV, using the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC. The J/$\psi$ meson is reconstructed via its decay into a muon pair, in the centre-of-mass rapidity interval $2.5<y<4$ and down to zero transverse momentum. In this Letter, the nuclear modification factors $R_{\rm AA}$ for inclusive J/$\psi$, measured in the centrality range 0-90% as well as in the centrality intervals 0-20% and 20-90% are presented. The $R_{\rm AA}$ values are compared to previously published results for Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}= 5.02$ TeV and to the calculation of a transport model. A good agreement is found between Xe-Xe and Pb-Pb results as well as between data and the model.
The elliptic flow of inclusive and direct photons was measured at mid-rapidity in two centrality classes 0-20% and 20-40% in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV by ALICE. Photons were detected with the highly segmented electromagnetic calorimeter PHOS and via conversions in the detector material with the $e^{+}e^{-}$ pairs reconstructed in the central tracking system. The results of the two methods were combined and the direct photon elliptic flow was extracted in the transverse momentum range $0.9 < p_{\rm T} < 6.2$ GeV/$c$. A comparison to RHIC data shows a similar magnitude of the measured direct-photon elliptic flow. Hydrodynamic and transport model calculations are systematically lower than the data, but are found to be compatible.
Ratio V2{GAMMA,INCLUSIVE,PCM}/V2{GAMMA,INCLUSIVE,COMBINED} as function of $p_\text{T}$, collision centrality 0-20%, for Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV.
Ratio V2{GAMMA,INCLUSIVE,PHOS}/V2{GAMMA,INCLUSIVE,COMBINED} as function of $p_\text{T}$, collision centrality 20-40%, for Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV.
V2{GAMMA,DECAY} as function of $p_\text{T}$, collision centrality 0-20%, for Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV.
Comprehensive results on the production of unidentified charged particles, $\pi^{\pm}$, $\rm{K}^{\pm}$, $\rm{K}^{0}_{S}$, $\rm{K}$*(892)$^{0}$, $\rm{p}$, $\overline{\rm{p}}$, $\phi$(1020), $\Lambda$, $\overline{\Lambda}$, $\Xi^{-}$, $\overline{\Xi}^{+}$, $\Omega^{-}$ and $\overline{\Omega}^{+}$ hadrons in proton-proton (pp) collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV at midrapidity ($|y| < 0.5$) as a function of charged-particle multiplicity density are presented. In order to avoid auto-correlation biases, the actual transverse momentum ($p_{\rm{T}}$) spectra of the particles under study and the event activity are measured in different rapidity windows. In the highest multiplicity class, the charged-particle density reaches about 3.5 times the value measured in inelastic collisions. While the yield of protons normalized to pions remains approximately constant as a function of multiplicity, the corresponding ratios of strange hadrons to pions show a significant enhancement that increases with increasing strangeness content. Furthermore, all identified particle to pion ratios are shown to depend solely on charged-particle multiplicity density, regardless of system type and collision energy. The evolution of the spectral shapes with multiplicity and hadron mass shows patterns that are similar to those observed in p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions at LHC energies. The obtained $p_{\rm{T}}$ distributions and yields are compared to expectations from QCD-based pp event generators as well as to predictions from thermal and hydrodynamic models. These comparisons indicate that traces of a collective, equilibrated system are already present in high-multiplicity pp collisions.
Transverse momentum spectra of charged particles in V0M I multiplicity class
Transverse momentum spectra of charged particles in V0M II multiplicity class
Transverse momentum spectra of charged particles in V0M III multiplicity class
Transverse-momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) differential yields of electrons from semileptonic heavy-flavour hadron decays have been measured in the most central (0-10%) and in semi-central (20-40%) Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV. The corresponding production cross section in pp collisions has been measured at the same energy with substantially reduced systematic uncertainties with respect to previously published results. The modification of the yield in Pb-Pb collisions with respect to the expectation from an incoherent superposition of nucleon-nucleon collisions is quantified at mid-rapidity ($|y|$ $<$ 0.8) in the $p_{\rm T}$ interval 0.5-3 GeV/$c$ via the nuclear modification factor, $R_{\rm AA}$. This paper extends the $p_{\rm T}$ reach of the $R_{\rm AA}$ measurement towards significantly lower values with respect to a previous publication. In Pb-Pb collisions the $p_{\rm T}$-differential measurements of yields at low $p_{\rm T}$ are essential to investigate the scaling of heavy-flavour production with the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. Heavy-quark hadronization, a collective expansion and even initial-state effects, such as the nuclear modification of the Parton Distribution Functions, are also expected to have a significant effect on the measured distribution.
Cross section of electron from heavy-flavour hadron decays in pp collisions at 2.76 TeV; additional systematic uncertainty: ± 1.9% (normalization/luminosity uncertainty) not shown.
Spectra of electron from heavy-flavour hadron decays in 0-10% centrality class.
Spectra of electron from heavy-flavour hadron decays in 20-40% centrality class.
We report the measured transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) spectra of primary charged particles from pp, p-Pb and Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV in the kinematic range of $0.15<p_{\rm T}<50$ GeV/$c$ and $|\eta|< 0.8$. A significant improvement of systematic uncertainties motivated the reanalysis of data in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV, as well as in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV, which is also presented. Spectra from Pb-Pb collisions are presented in nine centrality intervals and are compared to a reference spectrum from pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. For central collisions, the $p_{\rm T}$ spectra are suppressed by more than a factor of 7 around 6-7 GeV/$c$ with a significant reduction in suppression towards higher momenta up to 30 GeV/$c$. The nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm pPb}$, constructed from the pp and p-Pb spectra measured at the same collision energy, is consistent with unity above 8 GeV/$c$. While the spectra in both pp and Pb-Pb collisions are substantially harder at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV compared to 2.76 TeV, the nuclear modification factors show no significant collision energy dependence. The obtained results should provide further constraints on the parton energy loss calculations to determine the transport properties of the hot and dense QCD matter.
Transverse momentum spectra of charged particles in PbPb collisions in nine centrality classes.
Transverse momentum spectra of charged particles in PbPb collisions in nine centrality classes.
Transverse momentum spectra of charged particles in pPb collisions.
We report the differential charged jet cross section and jet fragmentation distributions measured with the ALICE detector in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}=$ 7 TeV. Jets with pseudo-rapidity $\left| \eta \right| < {\rm 0.5}$ are reconstructed from charged particles using the anti-$k_{\rm T}$ jet finding algorithm with a resolution parameter $R$ = 0.4. The jet cross section is measured in the transverse momentum interval 5 $\leq p_{\rm T}^{\rm ch \; jet} <$ 100 GeV/$c$. Jet fragmentation is studied measuring the scaled transverse momentum spectra of the charged constituents of jets in four intervals of jet transverse momentum between 5 GeV/$c$ and 30 GeV/$c$. The measurements are compared to calculations from the PYTHIA model as well as next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations with POWHEG + PYTHIA8. The charged jet cross section is described by POWHEG for the entire measured range of $p_{\rm T}^{\rm ch \; jet}$. For $p_{\rm T}^{\rm ch \; jet}$ $>$ 40 GeV/$c$, the PYTHIA calculations also agree with the measured charged jet cross section. PYTHIA6 simulations describe the fragmentation distributions to 15%. Larger discrepancies are observed for PYTHIA8.
Measured charged jet differential cross sections for INEL proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV.
Measured charged jet differential cross section ratios for INEL proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV for $5<p_{T}^{ch jet}<10$ GeV/$c$.
Measured charged jet differential cross section ratios for INEL proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV for $10<p_{T}^{ch jet}<15$ GeV/$c$.
We report measurements of the production of prompt D$^0$, D$^+$, D$^{*+}$ and D$^+_{\rm s}$ mesons in Pb-Pb collisions at the centre-of-mass energy per nucleon-nucleon pair $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV, in the centrality classes 0-10%, 30-50% and 60-80%. The D-meson production yields are measured at mid-rapidity ($|y|<0.5$) as a function of transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$). The $p_{\rm T}$ intervals covered in central collisions are: $1<p_{\rm T}<50$ Gev/$c$ for D$^0$, $2<p_{\rm T}<50$ GeV/$c$ for D$^+$, $3<p_{\rm T}<50$ GeV/$c$ for D$^{*+}$, and $4<p_{\rm T}<16$ GeV/$c$ for D$^+_{\rm s}$ mesons. The nuclear modification factors ($R_{\rm AA}$) for non-strange D mesons (D$^0$, D$^+$, D$^{*+}$) show minimum values of about 0.2 for $p_{\rm T}$ = 6-10 GeV/$c$ in the most central collisions and are compatible within uncertainties with those measured at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=2.76$ TeV. For D$^+_{\rm s}$ mesons, the values of $R_{\rm AA}$ are larger than those of non-strange D mesons, but compatible within uncertainties. In central collisions the average $R_{\rm AA}$ of non-strange D mesons is compatible with that of charged particles for $p_{\rm T} > 8$ GeV/$c$, while it is larger at lower $p_{\rm T}$. The nuclear modification factors for strange and non-strange D mesons are also compared to theoretical models with different implementations of in-medium energy loss.
pT-differential yield of prompt D0 mesons in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt{sNN}=5.02 TeV in the centrality class 0-10% in the rapidity interval |y|<0.5. Branching ratio of D0->Kpi : 0.0393.
pT-differential yield of prompt D+ mesons in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt{sNN}=5.02 TeV in the centrality class 0-10% in the rapidity interval |y|<0.5. Branching ratio of D+->Kpipi : 0.0946.
pT-differential yield of prompt D*+ mesons in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt{sNN}=5.02 TeV in the centrality class 0-10% in the rapidity interval |y|<0.5. Branching ratio of D*+->D0pi->Kpipi : 0.0393*0.677.
We present the first measurements of femtoscopic correlations between the K$^0_{\rm S}$ and K$^{\rm \pm}$ particles in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV measured by the ALICE experiment. The observed femtoscopic correlations are consistent with final-state interactions proceeding solely via the $a_0(980)$ resonance. The extracted kaon source radius and correlation strength parameters for K$^0_{\rm S}$K$^{\rm -}$ are found to be equal within the experimental uncertainties to those for K$^0_{\rm S}$K$^{\rm +}$. Results of the present study are compared with those from identical-kaon femtoscopic studies also performed with pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV by ALICE and with a K$^0_{\rm S}$K$^{\rm \pm}$ measurement in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=2.76$ TeV. Combined with the Pb-Pb results, our pp analysis is found to be compatible with the interpretation of the $a_0(980)$ having a tetraquark structure instead of that of a diquark.
Raw K0s K+ correlation function for all kT
Raw K0s K+ correlation function for kT < 0.85 GeV/c
Raw K0s K+ correlation function for kT > 0.85 GeV/c
The second ($v_2$) and third ($v_3$) flow harmonic coefficients of J/$\psi$ mesons are measured at forward rapidity (2.5 $<$ $y$ $<$ 4.0) in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. Results are obtained with the scalar product method and reported as a function of transverse momentum, $p_{\rm{T}}$, for various collision centralities. A positive value of J/$\psi$ $v_3$ is observed with 3.7$\sigma$ significance. The measurements, compared to those of prompt D$^0$ mesons and charged particles at mid-rapidity, indicate an ordering with $v_{\rm n}$(J/$\psi$) $<v_{\rm n}$(D$^0$) $<v_{\rm n}$(h$^\pm$) (n = 2, 3) at low and intermediate $p_{\rm{T}}$ up to 6 GeV/$c$ and a convergence with $v_2$(J/$\psi$) $\approx v_2$(D$^0$) $\approx v_2$(h$^\pm$) at high $p_{\rm{T}}$ above 6-8 GeV/$c$. In semi-central collisions (5-40% and 10-50% centrality intervals) at intermediate $p_{\rm{T}}$ between 2 and 6 GeV/$c$, the ratio $v_3/v_2$ of J/$\psi$ mesons is found to be significantly lower (4.6$\sigma$) with respect to that of charged particles. In addition, the comparison to the prompt D$^0$-meson ratio in the same $p_{\rm{T}}$ interval suggests an ordering similar to that of the $v_2$ and $v_3$ coefficients. The J/$\psi$ $v_2$ coefficient is further studied using the Event Shape Engineering technique. The obtained results are found to be compatible with the expected variations of the eccentricity of the initial-state geometry.
The J/$\psi$ $v_2$ coefficient as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ in 0-10% centrality interval in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV.
The J/$\psi$ $v_2$ coefficient as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ in 10-30% centrality interval in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV.
The J/$\psi$ $v_2$ coefficient as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ in 30-50% centrality interval in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV.
The first measurements of anisotropic flow coefficients $v_{\rm{n}}$ for mid-rapidity charged particles in Xe-Xe collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.44$ TeV are presented. Comparing these measurements to those from Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV, $v_{2}$ is found to be suppressed for mid-central collisions at the same centrality, and enhanced for central collisions. The values of $v_{3}$ are generally larger in Xe-Xe than in Pb-Pb at a given centrality. These observations are consistent with expectations from hydrodynamic predictions. When both $v_{2}$ and $v_{3}$ are divided by their corresponding eccentricities for a variety of initial state models, they generally scale with transverse density when comparing Xe-Xe and Pb-Pb, with some deviations observed in central Xe-Xe and Pb-Pb collisions. These results assist in placing strong constraints on both the initial state geometry and medium response for relativistic heavy-ion collisions.
First results on K/$\pi$, p/$\pi$ and K/p fluctuations are obtained with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC as a function of centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=2.76$ TeV. The observable $\nu_{\rm dyn}$, which is defined in terms of the moments of particle multiplicity distributions, is used to quantify the magnitude of dynamical fluctuations of relative particle yields and also provides insight into the correlation between particle pairs. This study is based on a novel experimental technique, called the Identity Method, which allows one to measure the moments of multiplicity distributions in case of incomplete particle identification. The results for p/$\pi$ show a change of sign in $\nu_{\rm dyn}$ from positive to negative towards more peripheral collisions. For central collisions, the results follow the smooth trend of the data at lower energies and $\nu_{\rm dyn}$ exhibits a change in sign for p/$\pi$ and K/p.
Beam-energy dependence of nu_dyn.
Beam-energy dependence of nu_dyn.
Beam-energy dependence of nu_dyn.
The measurement of dielectron production is presented as a function of invariant mass and transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) at midrapidity ($|y_{\rm e}|<0.8$) in proton-proton (pp) collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV. The contributions from light-hadron decays are calculated from their measured cross sections in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV or 13 TeV. The remaining continuum stems from correlated semileptonic decays of heavy-flavour hadrons. Fitting the data with templates from two different MC event generators, PYTHIA and POWHEG, the charm and beauty cross sections at midrapidity are extracted for the first time at this collision energy: ${\rm d}\sigma_{\rm c\bar{c}}/{\rm d}y|_{y=0}=974\pm138(\rm{stat.})\pm140(\rm{syst.})~\mu{\rm b}$ and ${\rm d}\sigma_{\rm b\bar{b}}/{\rm d}y|_{y=0}=79\pm14(\rm{stat.})\pm11(\rm{syst.})~\mu{\rm b}$ using PYTHIA simulations and ${\rm d}\sigma_{\rm c\bar{c}}/{\rm d}y|_{y=0}=1417\pm184(\rm{stat.})\pm204(\rm{syst.})~\mu{\rm b}$ and ${\rm d}\sigma_{\rm b\bar{b}}/{\rm d}y|_{y=0}=48\pm14(\rm{stat.})\pm7(\rm{syst.})~\mu{\rm b}$ for POWHEG. These values, whose uncertainties are fully correlated between the two generators, are consistent with extrapolations from lower energies. The different results obtained with POWHEG and PYTHIA imply different kinematic correlations of the heavy-quark pairs in these two generators. Furthermore, comparisons of dielectron spectra in inelastic events and in events collected with a trigger on high charged-particle multiplicities are presented in various $p_{\rm T}$ intervals. The differences are consistent with the already measured scaling of light-hadron and open-charm production at high charged-particle multiplicity as a function of $p_{\rm T}$. Upper limits for the contribution of virtual direct photons are extracted at 90% confidence level and found to be in agreement with pQCD calculations.
The dielectron cross section in inelastic pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV as a function of invariant mass for $p_{\rm T,ee}$ < 6.0 GeV/$c$.
The dielectron cross section in inelastic pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV as a function of pair transverse momentum for $m_{\rm ee}$ < 0.14 GeV/$c^{2}$.
The dielectron cross section in inelastic pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV as a function of pair transverse momentum for 0.14 < $m_{\rm ee}$ < 0.7 GeV/$c^{2}$.
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