The correlations between event-by-event fluctuations of anisotropic flow harmonic amplitudes have been measured in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The results are reported in terms of multiparticle correlation observables dubbed Symmetric Cumulants. These observables are robust against biases originating from nonflow effects. The centrality dependence of correlations between the higher order harmonics (the quadrangular $v_4$ and pentagonal $v_5$ flow) and the lower order harmonics (the elliptic $v_2$ and triangular $v_3$ flow) is presented. The transverse momentum dependence of correlations between $v_3$ and $v_2$ and between $v_4$ and $v_2$ is also reported. The results are compared to calculations from viscous hydrodynamics and A Multi-Phase Transport ({AMPT}) model calculations. The comparisons to viscous hydrodynamic models demonstrate that the different order harmonic correlations respond differently to the initial conditions and the temperature dependence of the ratio of shear viscosity to entropy density ($\eta/s$). A small average value of $\eta/s$ is favored independent of the specific choice of initial conditions in the models. The calculations with the AMPT initial conditions yield results closest to the measurements. Correlations between the magnitudes of $v_2$, $v_3$ and $v_4$ show moderate $p_{\rm T}$ dependence in mid-central collisions. Together with existing measurements of individual flow harmonics, the presented results provide further constraints on the initial conditions and the transport properties of the system produced in heavy-ion collisions.
Centrality dependence of observables SC(5,2) in Pb-Pb collisions at 2.76 TeV.
Centrality dependence of observables SC(5,3) in Pb-Pb collisions at 2.76 TeV.
Centrality dependence of observables SC(4,3) in Pb-Pb collisions at 2.76 TeV.
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
The Transition Radiation Detector (TRD) was designed and built to enhance the capabilities of the ALICE detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). While aimed at providing electron identification and triggering, the TRD also contributes significantly to the track reconstruction and calibration in the central barrel of ALICE. In this paper the design, construction, operation, and performance of this detector are discussed. A pion rejection factor of up to 410 is achieved at a momentum of 1 GeV/$c$ in p-Pb collisions and the resolution at high transverse momentum improves by about 40% when including the TRD information in track reconstruction. The triggering capability is demonstrated both for jet, light nuclei, and electron selection.
Most probable charge deposit signal normalised to that of minimum ionising particles as a function of $\beta\gamma$ for $\pi$, $\it{e}$ test beam (dE/dx). Statistical uncertainties as vertical error bars.
Most probable charge deposit signal normalised to that of minimum ionising particles as a function of $\beta\gamma$ for $\pi$, $\it{e}$ test beam (dE/dx + TR). Statistical uncertainties as vertical error bars.
Most probable charge deposit signal normalised to that of minimum ionising particles as a function of $\beta\gamma$ for $\pi$, $\it{e}$ and proton in pp collisions ($\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV). Statistical uncertainties as vertical error bars. Uncertainties in momentum and thus $\beta \gamma$ determination are drawn as horizontal error bars.
In ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, the event-by-event variation of the elliptic flow $v_2$ reflects fluctuations in the shape of the initial state of the system. This allows to select events with the same centrality but different initial geometry. This selection technique, Event Shape Engineering, has been used in the analysis of charge-dependent two- and three-particle correlations in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}} =2.76$ TeV. The two-particle correlator $\langle \cos(\varphi_\alpha - \varphi_\beta) \rangle$, calculated for different combinations of charges $\alpha$ and $\beta$, is almost independent of $v_2$ (for a given centrality), while the three-particle correlator $\langle \cos(\varphi_\alpha + \varphi_\beta - 2\Psi_2) \rangle$ scales almost linearly both with the event $v_2$ and charged-particle pseudorapidity density. The charge dependence of the three-particle correlator is often interpreted as evidence for the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME), a parity violating effect of the strong interaction. However, its measured dependence on $v_2$ points to a large non-CME contribution to the correlator. Comparing the results with Monte Carlo calculations including a magnetic field due to the spectators, the upper limit of the CME signal contribution to the three-particle correlator in the 10-50% centrality interval is found to be 26-33% at 95% confidence level.
$v_2\{EP\}$ with $|\Delta\eta| > 2.0$ as a function of centrality for unbiased events in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV.
$v_2\{EP\}$ with $|\Delta\eta| > 2.0$ as a function of centrality for shape selected events (0-10% $q_2$) in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV.
$v_2\{EP\}$ with $|\Delta\eta| > 2.0$ as a function of centrality for shape selected events (10-20% $q_2$) in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV.
We report a precise measurement of the J/$\psi$ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The J/$\psi$ mesons are reconstructed at mid-rapidity ($|y| < 0.9$) in the dielectron decay channel and at forward rapidity ($2.5
Transverse momentum dependence of inclusive J/$\psi$ $v_2$ at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV for the 20-40% centrality class (forward rapidity). The first uncertainty (stat) is statistical, the second (sys,uncorrel) is the uncorrelated systematic, while the third one (sys,correl) is a $p_{\rm T}$-correlated systematic uncertainty.
Transverse momentum dependence of inclusive J/$\psi$ $v_2$ at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV for the 20-40% centrality class (mid-rapidity). The first uncertainty (stat) is statistical, the second (sys,uncorrel) is the uncorrelated systematic, while the third one (sys,correl) is a $p_{\rm T}$-correlated systematic uncertainty.
Transverse momentum dependence of inclusive J/$\psi$ $v_2$ at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV for the 5-20% centrality class (forward rapidity). The first uncertainty (stat) is statistical, the second (sys,uncorrel) is the uncorrelated systematic, while the third one (sys,correl) is a $p_{\rm T}$-correlated systematic uncertainty.
We present a detailed measurement of charged two-pion correlation functions in 0%-30% centrality $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=200$ GeV Au$+$Au collisions by the PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The data are well described by Bose-Einstein correlation functions stemming from L\'evy-stable source distributions. Using a fine transverse momentum binning, we extract the correlation strength parameter $\lambda$, the L\'evy index of stability $\alpha$ and the L\'evy length scale parameter $R$ as a function of average transverse mass of the pair $m_T$. We find that the positively and the negatively charged pion pairs yield consistent results, and their correlation functions are represented, within uncertainties, by the same L\'evy-stable source functions. The $\lambda(m_T)$ measurements indicate a decrease of the strength of the correlations at low $m_T$. The L\'evy length scale parameter $R(m_T)$ decreases with increasing $m_T$, following a hydrodynamically predicted type of scaling behavior. The values of the L\'evy index of stability $\alpha$ are found to be significantly lower than the Gaussian case of $\alpha=2$, but also significantly larger than the conjectured value that may characterize the critical point of a second-order quark-hadron phase transition.
Example fits of Bose-Einstein correlation functions of (a) $\pi^{-}\pi^{-}$ pair with $m_{T}$ between 0.331 and 0.349 GeV/$c^2$ and of (b) $\pi^{+}\pi^{+}$ pair with $m_T$ between 0.655 and 0.675 GeV/$c^2$, as a function $Q$ ≡ |$q_{LCMS}$|, defined in Eq. (26). Both fits show the measured correlation function and the complete fit function (described in VI A), while a Bose-Einstein fit function $C^{(0)}_{2} (Q)$ is also shown, with the Coulomb-corrected data, i.e. the raw data multiplied by $C^{(0)}_{2} (Q)/C_{2}(Q)$. In this analysis we measured 62 such correlation functions (for ++ and -- pairs, in 31 $m_T$ bins), and fitted all of them with the method described in VIA. The first visible point on both panels corresponds to $Q$ values below the accessible range (based on an evaluation of the two-track cuts), these were not taken into account in the fitting.
Example fits of Bose-Einstein correlation functions of (a) $\pi^{-}\pi^{-}$ pair with $m_{T}$ between 0.331 and 0.349 GeV/$c^2$ and of (b) $\pi^{+}\pi^{+}$ pair with $m_T$ between 0.655 and 0.675 GeV/$c^2$, as a function $Q$ ≡ |$q_{LCMS}$|, defined in Eq. (26). Both fits show the measured correlation function and the complete fit function (described in VI A), while a Bose-Einstein fit function $C^{(0)}_{2} (Q)$ is also shown, with the Coulomb-corrected data, i.e. the raw data multiplied by $C^{(0)}_{2} (Q)/C_{2}(Q)$. In this analysis we measured 62 such correlation functions (for ++ and -- pairs, in 31 $m_T$ bins), and fitted all of them with the method described in VIA. The first visible point on both panels corresponds to $Q$ values below the accessible range (based on an evaluation of the two-track cuts), these were not taken into account in the fitting.
Correlation strength parameter $\lambda$ versus average $m_T$ of the pair, for 0%-30% centrality collisions. Statistical and systematic uncertainties are shown as bars and boxes.
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.
A semi-inclusive measurement of charged hadron multiplicities in deep inelastic muon scattering off an isoscalar target was performed using data collected by the COMPASS Collaboration at CERN. The following kinematic domain is covered by the data: photon virtuality $Q^{2}>1$ (GeV/$c$)$^2$, invariant mass of the hadronic system $W > 5$ GeV/$c^2$, Bjorken scaling variable in the range $0.003 < x < 0.4$, fraction of the virtual photon energy carried by the hadron in the range $0.2 < z < 0.8$, square of the hadron transverse momentum with respect to the virtual photon direction in the range 0.02 (GeV/$c)^2 < P_{\rm{hT}}^{2} < 3$ (GeV/$c$)$^2$. The multiplicities are presented as a function of $P_{\rm{hT}}^{2}$ in three-dimensional bins of $x$, $Q^2$, $z$ and compared to previous semi-inclusive measurements. We explore the small-$P_{\rm{hT}}^{2}$ region, i.e. $P_{\rm{hT}}^{2} < 1$ (GeV/$c$)$^2$, where hadron transverse momenta are expected to arise from non-perturbative effects, and also the domain of larger $P_{\rm{hT}}^{2}$, where contributions from higher-order perturbative QCD are expected to dominate. The multiplicities are fitted using a single-exponential function at small $P_{\rm{hT}}^{2}$ to study the dependence of the average transverse momentum $\langle P_{\rm{hT}}^{2}\rangle$ on $x$, $Q^2$ and $z$. The power-law behaviour of the multiplicities at large $P_{\rm{hT}}^{2}$ is investigated using various functional forms. The fits describe the data reasonably well over the full measured range.
Invariant differential yields of deuterons and anti-deuterons in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 0.9, 2.76 and 7 TeV and the yields of tritons, $^{3}$He nuclei and their anti-nuclei at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV have been measured with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The measurements cover a wide transverse momentum ($p_{\text{T}}$) range in the rapidity interval $|y|<0.5$, extending both the energy and the $p_{\text{T}}$ reach of previous measurements up to 3 GeV/$c$ for $A=2$ and 6 GeV/$c$ for $A=3$. The coalescence parameters of (anti-)deuterons and $^{3}\overline{\text{He}}$ nuclei exhibit an increasing trend with $p_{\text{T}}$ and are found to be compatible with measurements in pA collisions at low $p_{\text{T}}$ and lower energies. The integrated yields decrease by a factor of about 1000 for each increase of the mass number with one (anti-)nucleon. Furthermore, the deuteron-to-proton ratio is reported as a function of the average charged particle multiplicity at different center-of-mass energies.
Invariant differential yield of deuterons and antideuterons in inelastic pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 0.9 TeV. The uncertainties of $_{-0.8}^{+2.2}$% due to the extrapolation to inelastic pp collisions are not included in the systematic uncertainties.
Invariant differential yield of deuterons and antideuterons in inelastic pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 2.76 TeV. The uncertainties of $_{-2.8}^{+5.2}$% due to the extrapolation to inelastic pp collisions are not included in the systematic uncertainties.
Invariant differential yield of deuterons and antideuterons in inelastic pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 TeV. The uncertainties of $_{-2.0}^{+5.0}$% due to the extrapolation to inelastic pp collisions are not included in the systematic uncertainties.
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.
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