About 10 μs after the Big Bang, the universe was filled—in addition to photons and leptons—with strong-interaction matter consisting of quarks and gluons, which transitioned to hadrons at temperatures close to kT = 150 MeV and densities several times higher than those found in nuclei. This quantum chromodynamics (QCD) matter can be created in the laboratory as a transient state by colliding heavy ions at relativistic energies. The different phases in which QCD matter may exist depend for example on temperature, pressure or baryochemical potential, and can be probed by studying the emission of electromagnetic radiation. Electron–positron pairs emerge from the decay of virtual photons, which immediately decouple from the strong interaction, and thus provide information about the properties of QCD matter at various stages. Here, we report the observation of virtual photon emission from baryon-rich QCD matter. The spectral distribution of the electron–positron pairs is nearly exponential, providing evidence for a source of temperature in excess of 70 MeV with constituents whose properties have been modified, thus reflecting peculiarities of strong-interaction QCD matter. Its bulk properties are similar to the dense matter formed in the final state of a neutron star merger, as apparent from recent multimessenger observation.
Reconstructed $e^{+} e^{-}$ mass distribution from Au+Au collisions.
Reconstructed $e^{+} e^{-}$ mass distribution from Au+Au collisions.
Reconstructed $e^{+} e^{-}$ mass distribution from Au+Au collisions.
We present first data on sub-threshold production of K0 s mesons and {\Lambda} hyperons in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 2.4 GeV. We observe an universal <Apart> scaling of hadrons containing strangeness, independent of their corresponding production thresholds. Comparing the yields, their <Apart> scaling, and the shapes of the rapidity and the pt spectra to state-of-the-art transport model (UrQMD, HSD, IQMD) predictions, we find that none of the latter can simultaneously describe all observables with reasonable \c{hi}2 values.
Example of $K^{0}_{S}$ signal for 0-40% most central events, over mixed-event background for the bin $-0.05 < y_{cm} < 0.05$ and reduced transverse masses between $80-120 MeV/c^{2}$.
Example of $\Lambda$ signal for 0-40% most central events, over mixed-event background for the bin $-0.05 < y_{cm} < 0.05$ and reduced transverse masses between $100-150 MeV/c^{2}$.
Reduced transverse mass ($m_{t}-m_{0}$) spectra of $K^{0}_{S}$ for the 0-40% most central events. NOTE: The spectra are not scaled by $1/N_{Events}$! To compare the data, divide by $N_{Events} = 2.1997626 x 10^{9}$
Using a low background data sample of $9.7\times10^{5}$ $J\psi\rightarrow\gamma\eta^\prime$, $\eta^\prime\rightarrow\gamma\pi^+\pi^-$ events, which are 2 orders of magnitude larger than those from the previous experiments, recorded with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the decay dynamics of $\eta^\prime\rightarrow\gamma\pi^+\pi^-$ are studied with both model-dependent and model-independent approaches. The contributions of $\omega$ and the $\rho(770)-\omega$ interference are observed for the first time in the decays $\eta^\prime\rightarrow\gamma\pi^+\pi^-$ in both approaches. Additionally, a contribution from the box anomaly or the $\rho(1450)$ resonance is required in the model-dependent approach, while the process specific part of the decay amplitude is determined in the model-independent approach.
Numbers of events selected (Column 2), numbers of background events from sideband (Column 3), efficiencies (Column 4), and resolution RMS (Column 5) for different $M_{\pi^+\pi^-}$ bins.
We present data on charged kaons (K+-) and {\phi} mesons in Au(1.23A GeV)+Au collisions. It is the first simultaneous measurement of K and {\phi} mesons in central heavy-ion collisions below a kinetic beam energy of 10A GeV. The {\phi}/K- multiplicity ratio is found to be surprisingly high with a value of 0.52 +- 0.16 and shows no dependence on the centrality of the collision. Consequently, the different slopes of the K+ and K- transverse-mass spectra can be explained solely by feed- down, which substantially softens the spectra of K- mesons. Hence, in contrast to the commonly adapted argumentation in literature, the different slopes do not necessarily imply diverging freeze- out temperatures of K+ and K- mesons caused by different couplings to baryons.
Acceptance and efficiency corrected transverse-mass spectra around mid-rapidity.
$K^{+}$ signal and the corresponding background fit for the region covering mid-rapidity and $m_{t}−m_{0}$ between 25 and 50 $MeV/c^{2}$.
$K^{-}$ signal and the corresponding background fit for the region covering mid-rapidity and $m_{t}−m_{0}$ between 50 and 75 $MeV/c^{2}$.
The process $e^{+}e^{-}\to \eta^{\prime} J/\psi$ is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of $8.6\sigma$ at center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s} = 4.226$ GeV and $7.3\sigma$ at $\sqrt{s} = 4.258$ GeV using data samples collected with the BESIII detector. The Born cross sections are measured to be $(3.7 \pm 0.7 \pm 0.3)$ and $(3.9 \pm 0.8 \pm 0.3)$ pb at $\sqrt{s} = 4.226$ and $4.258$ GeV, respectively, where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. Upper limits at the 90% confidence level of the Born cross sections are also reported at other 12 energy points.
Summary of the values used to calculate the Born cross section of $e^{+}e^{-}\to\eta^{\prime} J/\psi$. The upper limits are at the $90\%$ C.L.
Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring at center-of-mass energies $\sqrt{s} >$ 4.4 GeV, the processes $e^+e^- \rightarrow \omega \chi_{c1,2}$ are observed for the first time. With an integrated luminosity of $1074 pb^{-1}$ near $\sqrt{s} =$ 4.42 GeV, a significant $\omega \chi_{c2}$ signal is found, and the cross section is measured to be $(20.9 \pm 3.2 \pm 2.5)\pb$. With $567 pb^{-1}$ near $\sqrt{s} =$ 4.6 GeV, a clear $\omega \chi_{c1}$ signal is seen, and the cross section is measured to be $(9.5 \pm 2.1 \pm 1.3) \pb$, while evidence is found for an $\omega \chi_{c2}$ signal. The first errors are statistical and the second are systematic. Due to low luminosity or low cross section at other energies, no significant signals are observed. In the $\omega \chi_{c2}$ cross section, an enhancement is seen around $\sqrt{s} =$ 4.42 GeV. Fitting the cross section with a coherent sum of the $\psi(4415)$ Breit-Wigner function and a phase space term, the branching fraction $\mathcal{B}(\psi(4415)\to\omega\chi_{c2})$ is obtained to be of the order of $10^{-3}$.
Results on $e^+e^-\to \omega \chi_{c0}$. Shown in the table are the channels, the center-of-mass energy, the integrated luminosity $\mathcal{L}$, product of radiative correction factor, vacuum polarization factor, branching fraction and efficiency, $\mathcal{D}=(1+\delta)\frac{1}{|1-\Pi|^{2}}(\epsilon_{\pi}\mathcal{B}(\chi_{c0}\to\pi^+\pi^-)+\epsilon_{K}\mathcal{B}(\chi_{c0}\to K^+K^-))\mathcal{B}(\omega\to\pi^+\pi^{-}\pi^{0})\mathcal{B}(\pi^{0}\to\gamma\gamma)$ for $\omega\chi_{c0}$, number of observed events $N^{\rm {obs}}$, number of estimated background events $N^{\rm bkg}$, number of signal events $N^{\rm sig}$ determined as described in the text, Born cross section $\sigma^{\rm B}$(or upper limit at 90$\%$ C.L.) at each energy point.
Results on $e^+e^-\to \omega \chi_{c1}$. Shown in the table are the channels, the center-of-mass energy, the integrated luminosity $\mathcal{L}$, product of radiative correction factor, vacuum polarization factor, branching fraction and efficiency, $\mathcal{D}=(1 + \delta) \frac{1}{|1-\Pi|^{2}} (\epsilon_{e}\mathcal{B}_{e} + \epsilon_{\mu}\mathcal{B}_{\mu}) \mathcal{B}_{1}$ for $\omega\chi_{c1}$, number of observed events $N^{\rm {obs}}$, number of estimated background events $N^{\rm bkg}$, number of signal events $N^{\rm sig}$ determined as described in the text, Born cross section $\sigma^{\rm B}$(or upper limit at 90$\%$ C.L.) at each energy point. $N^{\rm sig}$ for $\omega\chi_{c1}$ at $\sqrt{s}$ = 4.416 and 4.599 GeV is taken from the fit. Dash means that the result is not applicable.
Results on $e^+e^-\to \omega \chi_{c2}$. Shown in the table are the channels, the center-of-mass energy, the integrated luminosity $\mathcal{L}$, product of radiative correction factor, vacuum polarization factor, branching fraction and efficiency, $\mathcal{D}=(1 + \delta) \frac{1}{|1-\Pi|^{2}} (\epsilon_{e}\mathcal{B}_{e} + \epsilon_{\mu}\mathcal{B}_{\mu}) \mathcal{B}_{1}$ for $\omega\chi_{c2}$, number of observed events $N^{\rm {obs}}$, number of estimated background events $N^{\rm bkg}$, number of signal events $N^{\rm sig}$ determined as described in the text, Born cross section $\sigma^{\rm B}$(or upper limit at 90$\%$ C.L.) at each energy point. $N^{\rm sig}$ for $\omega\chi_{c2}$ at $\sqrt{s}$ = 4.416 and 4.599 GeV is taken from the fit. Dash means that the result is not applicable.
We report differential cross sections for π − p → n π 0 in the backward hemisphere at incident momenta of 2.6, 3.5, 4.3, 6.0, and 8.0 GeV/c. We observe less pronounced structure than some previous measurements with a shallow dip displaced from that seen in π + p elastic scattering.
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We present a measurement of the azimuthal asymmetries of two charged pions in the inclusive process $e^+e^-\rightarrow \pi\pi X$ based on a data set of 62 $\rm{pb}^{-1}$ at the center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}=3.65$ GeV collected with the BESIII detector. These asymmetries can be attributed to the Collins fragmentation function. We observe a nonzero asymmetry, which increases with increasing pion momentum. As our energy scale is close to that of the existing semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering experimental data, the measured asymmetries are important inputs for the global analysis of extracting the quark transversity distribution inside the nucleon and are valuable to explore the energy evolution of the spin-dependent fragmentation function.
Results of $A_{\rm UL}$ and $A_{\rm UC}$ in each ($z_{1},z_{2}$) and $p_{t}$ bin. The averages $\langle z_i\rangle$, $\langle p_t\rangle$ and $\rm \frac{\langle sin^2\theta_{2}\rangle }{\rm \langle 1+cos^2\theta_{2} \rangle }$ are also given.
Results of $A_{\rm UL}$ and $A_{\rm UC}$ in each ($z_{1},z_{2}$) and $p_{t}$ bin. The averages $\langle z_i\rangle$, $\langle p_t\rangle$ and $\rm \frac{\langle sin^2\theta_{2}\rangle }{\rm \langle 1+cos^2\theta_{2} \rangle }$ are also given.
The $e^+e^-\to K^+K^-$ cross section and charged-kaon electromagnetic form factor are measured in the $e^+e^-$ center-of-mass energy range ($E$) from 2.6 to 8.0 GeV using the initial-state radiation technique with an undetected photon. The study is performed using 469 fb$^{-1}$ of data collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II $e^+e^-$ collider at center-of-mass energies near 10.6 GeV. The form factor is found to decrease with energy faster than $1/E^2$, and approaches the asymptotic QCD prediction. Production of the $K^+K^-$ final state through the $J/\psi$ and $\psi(2S)$ intermediate states is observed. The results for the kaon form factor are used together with data from other experiments to perform a model-independent determination of the relative phases between single-photon and strong amplitudes in $J/\psi$ and $\psi(2S)\to K^+K^-$ decays. The values of the branching fractions measured in the reaction $e^+e^- \to K^+K^-$ are shifted relative to their true values due to interference between resonant and nonresonant amplitudes. The values of these shifts are determined to be about $\pm5\%$ for the $J/\psi$ meson and $\pm15\%$ for the $\psi(2S)$ meson.
The $K^+K^-$ invariant-mass interval ($M_{K^+K^-}$), number of selected events ($N_{\rm sig}$) after background subtraction, detection efficiency ($\varepsilon$), ISR luminosity ($L$), measured $e^+e^-\to K^+K^-$ cross section ($\sigma_{K^+K^-}$), and the charged-kaon form factor ($|F_K|$). For the number of events and cross section. For the form factor, we quote the combined uncertainty. For the mass interval 7.5 - 8.0 GeV/$c^2$, the 90$\%$ CL upper limits for the cross section and form factor are listed.
Using a data sample collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, we observe a new neutral state $Z_c(3900)^{0}$ with a significance of $10.4\sigma$. The mass and width are measured to be $3894.8\pm2.3\pm3.2$ MeV/$c^2$ and $29.6\pm8.2\pm8.2$~MeV, respectively, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. The Born cross section for $e^+e^-\to\pi^0\pi^0 J/\psi$ and the fraction of it attributable to $\pi^0 Z_c(3900)^{0}\to\pi^0\pi^0 J/\psi$ in the range $E_{cm}=4.19-4.42$ GeV are also determined. We interpret this state as the neutral partner of the four-quark candidate $Z_c(3900)^\pm$.
Efficiencies, yields, $R=\frac{\sigma(e^+e^-\to\pi^0 Z_c(3900)^{0}\to\pi^0\pi^0 J/\psi)}{\sigma(e^+e^-\to\pi^0\pi^0 J/\psi)}$, and $\pi^0\pi^0 J/\psi$ Born cross sections at each energy point. For $N(Z_c^0)$ and $N(\pi^0\pi^0 J/\psi)$ errors and upper limits are statistical only. For $R$ and $\sigma_{\rm Born}$, the first errors and statistical and second errors are systematic. The statistical uncertainties on the efficiencies are negligible. Upper limits of $R$ (90$\%$ confidence level) include systematic errors.