Using $e^+e^-$ collision data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider, the cross section of $e^+e^-\to \pi^+\pi^- h_c$ is measured at 59 points with center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}$ ranging from $4.009$ to $4.950~\mathrm{GeV}$ with a total integrated luminosity of $22.2~\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$. The cross section between $4.3$ and $4.45~\mathrm{GeV}$ exhibits a plateau-like shape and drops sharply around $4.5~\mathrm{GeV}$, which cannot be described by two resonances only. Three coherent Breit-Wigner functions are used to parameterize the $\sqrt{s}$-dependent cross section line shape. The masses and widths are determined to be $M_1=(4223.6_{-3.7-2.9}^{+3.6+2.6})~\mathrm{MeV}/c^2$, $\Gamma_1=(58.5_{-11.4-6.5}^{+10.8+6.7})~\mathrm{MeV}$, $M_2=(4327.4_{-18.8-9.3}^{+20.1+10.7})~\mathrm{MeV}/c^2$, $\Gamma_2=(244.1_{-27.1-18.0}^{+34.0+23.9})~\mathrm{MeV}$, and $M_3=(4467.4_{-5.4-2.7}^{+7.2+3.2})~\mathrm{MeV}/c^2$, $\Gamma_3=(62.8_{-14.4-6.6}^{+19.2+9.8})~\mathrm{MeV}$. The first uncertainties are statistical and the other two are systematic. The statistical significance of the three Breit-Wigner assumption over the two Breit-Wigner assumption is greater than $5\sigma$.
Dressed cross section at the 19 XYZ-I energy points with large statistics. The table also lists the integral luminosity, the number of signal events, the weighted efficiency, the radiative correction factor, and the dressed cross section. For the dressed cross section, the first error is statistical, the second error is the systematic, and the third error comes from the input branching ratios which is the dominant one in the multiplicative systematic uncertainties.
Dressed cross section at the 25 XYZ-II energy points with lower statistics. The table also lists the integral luminosity, the number of signal events, the weighted efficiency, the radiative correction factor, and the dressed cross section. For the dressed cross section, the first error is statistical, the second error is the systematic, and the third error comes from the input branching ratios which is the dominant one in the multiplicative systematic uncertainties.
Dressed cross section and its upper limit at the 15 R-scan energy points with small statistics. The table also lists the integral luminosity, the number of signal events, the weighted efficiency, the radiative correction factor, and the dressed cross section. For the dressed cross section, the first error is statistical, the second error is the systematic, and the third error comes from the input branching ratios which is the dominant one in the multiplicative systematic uncertainties.
The formation of light (anti)nuclei with mass number A of a few units (e.g., d, $^3$He, and $^4$He) in high-energy hadronic collisions presents a longstanding mystery in nuclear physics [1,2]. It is not clear how nuclei bound by a few MeV can emerge in environments characterized by temperatures above 100 MeV [3-5], about 100,000 times hotter than the center of the Sun. Despite extensive studies, this question remained unanswered. The ALICE Collaboration now addresses it with a novel approach using deuteron-pion momentum correlations in proton-proton (pp) collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Our results provide model-independent evidence that about 80% of the observed (anti)deuterons are produced in nuclear fusion reactions [6] following the decay of short-lived resonances, such as the $\Delta (1232)$. These findings resolve a crucial gap in our understanding of nucleosynthesis in hadronic collisions. Beyond answering the fundamental question on how nuclei are formed in hadronic collisions, the results can be employed in the modeling of the production of light and heavy nuclei in cosmic rays [7] and dark matter decays [8,9].
Measured $\pi^{+}$–d$\oplus\pi^{-}$–$\overline{\mathrm{d}}$ (left panel) correlation function.
Measured $\pi^{-}$–d$\oplus\pi^{+}$–$\overline{\mathrm{d}}$ (right panel) correlation function.
The extracted kinetic decoupling temperature is derived from $\pi^{+}$–d correlation functions.
Partonic collectivity is one of the necessary signatures for the formation of quark-gluon plasma in high-energy nuclear collisions. Number of constituent quarks (NCQ) scaling has been observed for hadron elliptic flow $v_2$ in top energy nuclear collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the LHC, and this has been theoretically suggested as strong evidence for partonic collectivity. In this Letter, a systematic analysis of $v_2$ of $π^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, $K^{0}_{S}$, $p$, and $Λ$ in Au+Au collisions at ${\sqrt{s_{_{\rm{NN}}}}}$ = 3.2, 3.5, 3.9, and 4.5 GeV, with the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, is presented. NCQ scaling is markedly violated at 3.2 GeV, consistent with a hadronic-interaction dominated equation of state. However, as the collision energy increases, a gradual evolution to NCQ scaling is observed. This beam-energy dependence of $v_2$ for all hadrons studied provides evidence for the onset of dominant partonic interactions by ${\sqrt{s_{_{\rm{NN}}}}}$ = 4.5 GeV.
$p_{T}$ dependence of $v_{2}$ for $\pi^{+}$ in Au+Au collisions at 3 GeV
$p_{T}$ dependence of $v_{2}$ for $\pi^{+}$ in Au+Au collisions at 3.2 GeV
$p_{T}$ dependence of $v_{2}$ for $\pi^{+}$ in Au+Au collisions at 3.5 GeV
This paper presents a study of the inclusive forward J/$\psi$ yield as a function of forward charged-particle multiplicity in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV using data collected by the ALICE experiment at the CERN LHC. The results are presented in terms of relative J/$\psi$ yields and relative charged-particle multiplicities with respect to these quantities obtained in inelastic collisions having at least one charged particle in the pseudorapidity range $|\eta| < 1$. The J/$\psi$ mesons are reconstructed via their decay into $\mu^+ \mu^-$ pairs in the forward rapidity region ($2.5 < y < 4$). The relative multiplicity is estimated in the forward pseudorapidity range $-3.7 < \eta < -1.7$, which overlaps with the J/$\psi$ rapidity region. The results show a steeper-than-linear increase of the J/$\psi$ yields versus the multiplicity. They are compared with previous measurements and theoretical model calculations.
Forward inclusive J/$\psi$ relative yield as a function of the relative multiplicity in −3.7 < $\eta$ < −1.7 in INEL > 0 pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV.
We report precision measurements on cumulants ($C_{n}$) and factorial cumulants ($\kappa_{n}$) of (net-)proton number distributions up to fourth-order in Au+Au collisions from phase II of the Beam Energy Scan program at RHIC. (Anti-)protons are selected at midrapidity ($|y|<0.5$) within a transverse momentum range of $0.4 < p_T < 2.0$ GeV/$c$. The collision energy and centrality dependence of these cumulants are studied over center-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 7.7 -- 27 GeV. Relative to various non-critical-point model calculations and peripheral collision 70-80% data, the net-proton $C_4/C_2$ measurement in 0-5% collisions shows a minimum around 19.6 GeV for significance of deviation at $\sim2$--$5\sigma$. In addition, deviations from non-critical baselines around the same collision energy region are also seen in proton factorial cumulant ratios, especially in $\kappa_2/\kappa_1$ and $\kappa_3/\kappa_1$. Dynamical model calculations including a critical point are called for in order to understand these precision measurements.
Reference multiplicity distributions (RefMult3 and RefMult3X) for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 19.6 GeV along with MC Glauber model fits.
Collision centrality dependence of net-proton cumulants in Au+Au collisions for $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 7.7 - 27 GeV obtained with RefMult3 and RefMult3X centrality definition.
Collision energy dependence of net-proton cumulant ratios and proton factorial cumulant ratios in Au+Au collisions from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 7.7 - 200 GeV for 0-5$\%$ and 70-80$\%$ centrality. Data from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 7.7 - 27 GeV are from BES-II (obtained with RefMult3X except 27 GeV where RefMult3 is used). Data from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 39 - 200 GeV are from BES-I (RefMult3).
The first measurement of prompt D$^{*+}$-meson spin alignment in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions with respect to the direction orthogonal to the reaction plane is presented. The spin alignment is quantified by measuring the element $\rho_{00}$ of the diagonal spin-density matrix for prompt D$^{*+}$ mesons with $4<p_{\rm T}<30$ GeV/$c$ in two rapidity intervals, $|y|<0.3$ and $0.3<|y|<0.8$, in central (0-10%) and midcentral (30-50%) Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV. Evidence of spin alignment $\rho_{00}>1/3$ has been found for $p_{\rm T}>15$ GeV/$c$ and $0.3<|y|<0.8$ with a significance of $3.1\sigma$. The measured spin alignment of prompt D$^{*+}$ mesons is compared with the one of inclusive J/$\psi$ mesons measured at forward rapidity ($2.5 < y < 4$).
$\rho_{00}$ of prompt D$^{*\pm}$ mesons as a function of transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) in the rapidity interval $0.0 < |y| < 0.3$ for mid-central (30--50\%) Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02~TeV$.
$\rho_{00}$ of prompt D$^{*\pm}$ mesons as a function of transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) in the rapidity interval $0.3 < |y| < 0.8$ for mid-central (30--50\%) Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02~TeV$.
$\rho_{00}$ of prompt D$^{*\pm}$ mesons as a function of transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) in the rapidity interval $0.0 < |y| < 0.3$ for central (0--10\%) Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02~TeV$.
Anisotropic flow and radial flow are two key probes of the expansion dynamics and properties of the quark-gluon plasma (QGP). While anisotropic flow has been extensively studied, radial flow, which governs the system's radial expansion, has received less attention. Notably, experimental evidence for the global and collective nature of radial flow has been lacking. This Letter presents the first measurement of transverse momentum ($p_{\mathrm{T}}$) dependence of radial flow fluctuations ($v_0(p_{\mathrm{T}})$) over $0.5<p_{\mathrm{T}}<10$ GeV, using a two-particle correlation method in Pb+Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02$ TeV. The data reveal three key features supporting the collective nature of radial flow: long-range correlation in pseudorapidity, factorization in $p_{\mathrm{T}}$, and centrality-independent shape in $p_{\mathrm{T}}$. The comparison with a hydrodynamic model demonstrates the sensitivity of $v_0(p_{\mathrm{T}})$ to bulk viscosity, a crucial transport property of the QGP. These findings establish a new, powerful tool for probing collective dynamics and properties of the QGP.
Data from Figure 2, panel a, $v_{0}$
Data from Figure 2, panel c, upper panel, Normalized Covariance $\times 10^{3}$ in 0-5% Centrality
Data from Figure 2, panel c, lower panel, Normalized Covariance $\times 10^{3}$ in 50-60% Centrality
A search for pair-production of vector-like leptons is presented, considering their decays into a third-generation Standard Model (SM) quark and a vector leptoquark ($U_1$) as predicted by an ultraviolet-complete extension of the SM, referred to as the '4321' model. Given the assumed decay of $U_1$ into third-generation SM fermions, the final state can contain multiple $\tau$-leptons and $b$-quarks. This search is based on a dataset of $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of up to 140 fb$^{-1}$. No significant excess above the SM background prediction is observed, and 95% confidence level limits on the cross-section times branching ratio are derived as a function of the vector-like lepton mass. A lower observed (expected) limit of 910 GeV (970 GeV) is set on the vector-like lepton mass. Additionally, the results are interpreted for a supersymmetric model with an $R$-parity violating coupling to the third-generation quarks and leptons. Lower observed (expected) limits are obtained on the higgsino mass at 880 GeV (940 GeV) and on the wino mass at 1170 GeV (1170 GeV).
Observed (solid line with markers) and expected (dashed line) 95% CL upper limits on the VLL pair production cross-section (σ<sub>VLL</sub>) times branching ratio (BR) to third generation quarks and leptons as a function of m<sub>VLL</sub>. The limits presented in black lines are obtained after combining all five signal regions. The inner green (outer yellow) band corresponds to the ±1 σ (±2 σ) uncertainty around the combined expected limit. The 95% CL expected upper limits in the three individual channels (1τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b MST, 1τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b BJET and ≥2τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b MSDT) are shown for comparison. The solid red line represents the theory prediction of the VLL pair production cross-section at NLO in QCD.
Observed (solid line with markers) and expected (dashed line) 95% CL upper limits on the higgsino pair production cross-section (σ<sub>higgsino</sub>) times branching ratio (BR) to third generation quarks and leptons as a function of m<sub>higgsino</sub>. The limits presented in black lines are obtained after combining all five signal regions. The inner green (outer yellow) band corresponds to the ±1 σ (±2 σ) uncertainty around the combined expected limit. The 95% CL expected upper limits in the three individual channels (1τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b MST, 1τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b BJET and ≥2τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b MSDT) are shown for comparison. The solid red line represents the theory prediction of the higgsino pair production cross-section at NLO in QCD.
Observed (solid line with markers) and expected (dashed line) 95% CL upper limits on the wino pair production cross-section (σ<sub>wino</sub>) times branching ratio (BR) to third generation quarks and leptons as a function of m<sub>wino</sub>. The limits presented in black lines are obtained after combining all five signal regions. The surrounding inner green (outer yellow) band corresponds to the ±1 σ (±2 σ) uncertainty around the combined expected limit. The 95% CL expected upper limits in the three individual channels (1τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b MST, 1τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b BJET and ≥2τ<sub>had</sub> ≥3b MSDT) are shown for comparison. The solid red line represents the theory prediction of the wino pair production cross-section at NLO in QCD.
A search for resonances in top quark pair ($\text{t}\bar{\text{t}}$) production in final states with two charged leptons and multiple jets is presented, based on proton-proton collision data collected by the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV, corresponding to 138 fb$^{-1}$. The analysis explores the invariant mass of the $\text{t}\bar{\text{t}}$ system and two angular observables that provide direct access to the correlation of top quark and antiquark spins. A significant excess of events is observed near the kinematic $\text{t}\bar{\text{t}}$ threshold compared to the nonresonant production predicted by fixed-order perturbative quantum chromodynamics (pQCD). The observed enhancement is consistent with the production of a color-singlet pseudoscalar ($^1$S$^{[1]}_0$) quasi-bound toponium state, as predicted by nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics. Using a simplified model for $^1$S$^{[1]}_0$ toponium, the cross section of the excess above the pQCD prediction is measured to be 8.8 $^{+1.2}_{-1.4}$ pb.
Observed cross section of $\eta_t$
Observed values of twice the negative log-likelihood with respect to the best-fit point (2dNLL) as a function of the cross sections of $\eta_t$ and $\chi_t$.
A search for events with one displaced vertex from long-lived particles using data collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider is presented, using 140 fb$^{-1}$ of proton-proton collision data at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV recorded in 2015-2018. The search employs techniques for reconstructing vertices of long-lived particles decaying into hadronic jets in the muon spectrometer displaced between 3 m and 14 m from the primary interaction vertex. The observed number of events is consistent with the expected background and limits for several benchmark signals are determined. A scalar-portal model and a Higgs-boson-portal baryogenesis model are considered. A dedicated analysis channel is employed to target Z-boson associated long-lived particle production, including an axion-like particle and a dark photon model. For the Higgs boson model, branching fractions above 1% are excluded at 95% confidence level for long-lived particle proper decay lengths ranging from 5 cm to 40 m. For the photo-phobic axion-like particle model considered, this search produces the strongest limits to date for proper decay lengths greater than $\mathcal{O}(10)$ cm.
Summary of the one-DV limits for the H/ϕ arrow ss model. Comparison between observed and expected 95% CL limits on (σ/σggH)×B for an SM-like Higgs boson portal mediator and ms=35 GeV. The observed limits are consistent with the expected ones within the uncertainties.
Observed 95% CL limits on (σ/σggH)×B for all Higgs boson portal mediator samples where the cross-section is normalized to the SM Higgs boson gluon–gluon fusion production cross-section, σggH = 48.61 pb [97]. The observed limits are consistent with the expected ones within the uncertainties.
Observed 95% CL limits on σ×B for mϕ≠ 125 GeV. The observed limits are consistent with the expected ones within the uncertainties.
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