The correlations between different moments of two flow amplitudes, extracted with the recently developed asymmetric cumulants, are measured in Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV recorded by the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The magnitudes of the measured observables show a dependence on the different moments as well as on the collision centrality, indicating the presence of non-linear response in all even moments up to the eighth. Furthermore, the higher-order asymmetric cumulants show different signatures than the symmetric and lower-order asymmetric cumulants. Comparisons with state-of-the-art event generators using two different parametrizations obtained from Bayesian optimization show differences between data and simulations in many of the studied observables, indicating a need for further tuning of the models behind those event generators. These results provide new and independent constraints on the initial conditions and transport properties of the system created in heavy-ion collisions.
Centrality dependence of ${\rm SC}(2,3)$ in Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV.
Centrality dependence of ${\rm AC}_{2,1}(2,3)$ in Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV.
Centrality dependence of ${\rm AC}_{1,2}(2,3)$ in Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV.
Understanding nuclear structure provides essential insights into the properties of atomic nuclei. In this paper, details of the nuclear structure of $^{\rm 129}$Xe, such as the quadrupole deformation and the nuclear diffuseness, are studied by extensive measurements of anisotropic-flow-related observables in Xe$-$Xe collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.44$ TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The results are compared with those from Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV for a baseline, given that the $^{\rm 208}$Pb nucleus is not deformed. Furthermore, comprehensive comparisons are performed with a state-of-the-art hybrid model using IP-Glasma+MUSIC+UrQMD. It is found that among various IP-Glasma+MUSIC+UrQMD calculations with different values of nuclear parameters, the one using a nuclear diffuseness parameter of $a_0=0.492$ and a nuclear quadrupole deformation parameter of $\beta_2=0.207$ provides a better description of the presented flow measurements. These studies represent an important step towards a thorough exploration of the imaging power of nuclear collisions at ultrarelativistic energy and the search for the imprint of nuclear structure on various flow observables in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC. The findings demonstrate the potential of nuclear structure studies at the TeV energy scale and highlight that the LHC experiments can complement existing low-energy experiments on nuclear structure studies.
Charged particle $v_2\{2, \left | \Delta\eta \right | > 1.0\}$ as a function of centrality in Xe$-$Xe and Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.44 TeV and $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV, respectively.
Charged particle $v_2\{4\}$ as a function of centrality in Xe$-$Xe and Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.44 TeV and $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV, respectively.
Ratio between Xe$-$Xe and Pb$-$Pb charged particle $v_2\{2, \left | \Delta\eta \right | > 1.0\}$ as a function of centrality.
Multiplicity ($N_{\rm ch}$) distributions and transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) spectra of inclusive primary charged particles in the kinematic range of $|\eta| < 0.8$ and 0.15 GeV/$c$$< p_{T} <$ 10 GeV/$c$ are reported for pp, p-Pb, Xe-Xe and Pb-Pb collisions at centre-of-mass energies per nucleon pair ranging from $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV up to $13$ TeV. A sequential two-dimensional unfolding procedure is used to extract the correlation between the transverse momentum of primary charged particles and the charged-particle multiplicity of the corresponding collision. This correlation sharply characterises important features of the final state of a collision and, therefore, can be used as a stringent test of theoretical models. The multiplicity distributions as well as the mean and standard deviation derived from the $p_{\rm T}$ spectra are compared to state-of-the-art model predictions. Providing these fundamental observables of bulk particle production consistently across a wide range of collision energies and system sizes can serve as an important input for tuning Monte Carlo event generators.
Charged-particle multiplicity distribution for pp collisions at 2.76 TeV.
Charged-particle multiplicity distribution for pp collisions at 2.76 TeV.
Koba-Nielsen-Olesen scaled charged-particle multiplicity distribution for pp collisions at 2.76 TeV.
We report measurements of the primary charged particle pseudorapidity density and transverse momentum distributions in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV, and investigate their correlation with experimental observables sensitive to the centrality of the collision. Centrality classes are defined using different event activity estimators, i.e. charged particle multiplicities measured in three disjunct pseudorapidity regions as well as the energy measured at beam rapidity (zero-degree). The procedures to determine the centrality, quantified by the number of participants ($N_{\rm part}$), or the number of nucleon-nucleon binary collisions ($N_{\rm coll}$), are described. We show that, in contrast to Pb-Pb collisions, in p-Pb collisions large multiplicity fluctuations together with the small range of participants available, generate a dynamical bias in centrality classes based on particle multiplicity. We propose to use the zero-degree energy, which we expect not to introduce a dynamical bias, as an alternative event-centrality estimator. Based on zero-degree energy centrality classes, the $N_{\rm part}$ dependence of particle production is studied. Under the assumption that the multiplicity measured in the Pb-going rapidity region scales with the number of Pb-participants, an approximate independence of the multiplicity per participating nucleon measured at mid-rapitity of the number of participating nucleons is observed. Furthermore, at high-$p_{\rm T}$ the p-Pb spectra are found to be consistent with the pp spectra scaled by $N_{\rm coll}$ for all centrality classes. Our results represent valuable input for the study of the event activity dependence of hard probes in p-Pb collision and, hence, help to establish baselines for the interpretation of the Pb-Pb data.
dNdeta CL1.
dNdeta V0M.
dNdeta V0A.
The azimuthal ($\Delta\varphi$) correlation distributions between heavy-flavor decay electrons and associated charged particles are measured in pp and p$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. Results are reported for electrons with transverse momentum $4<p_{\rm T}<16$ GeV/$c$ and pseudorapidity $|\eta|<0.6$. The associated charged particles are selected with transverse momentum $1<p_{\rm T}<7$ GeV/$c$, and relative pseudorapidity separation with the leading electron $|\Delta\eta| < 1$. The correlation measurements are performed to study and characterize the fragmentation and hadronization of heavy quarks. The correlation structures are fitted with a constant and two von Mises functions to obtain the baseline and the near- and away-side peaks, respectively. The results from p$-$Pb collisions are compared with those from pp collisions to study the effects of cold nuclear matter. In the measured trigger electron and associated particle kinematic regions, the two collision systems give consistent results. The $\Delta\varphi$ distribution and the peak observables in pp and p$-$Pb collisions are compared with calculations from various Monte Carlo event generators.
$\Delta\varphi$ distribution between heavy-flavor decay electrons and associated charged particles for $4 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm e} < 12$ ${\rm GeV}/c$ and $1 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 7$ ${\rm GeV}/c$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. The publication shows $\Delta\varphi$ distribution only for the ranges $1 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 2$, $2 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 3$, and $5 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 7$ ${\rm GeV}/c$.
$\Delta\varphi$ distribution between heavy-flavor decay electrons and associated charged particles for $4 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm e} < 12$ ${\rm GeV}/c$ and $1 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 7$ ${\rm GeV}/c$ in p$\textendash$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. The publication shows $\Delta\varphi$ distribution only for the ranges $1 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 2$, $2 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 3$, and $5 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 7$ ${\rm GeV}/c$.
Baseline of $\Delta\varphi$ distribution between heavy-flavor decay electrons and associated charged particles for $4 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm e} < 12$ ${\rm GeV}/c$ in pp and p$\textendash$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. The publication shows $\Delta\varphi$ distribution only for the ranges $1 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 2$, $2 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 3$, and $5 < p_{\rm T}^{\rm assoc} < 7$ ${\rm GeV}/c$.
The correlations between event-by-event fluctuations of symmetry planes are measured in Pb--Pb collisions at a centre-of-mass energy per nucleon pair $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}$ = 5.02 TeV recorded by the ALICE detector at the Large Hadron Collider. This analysis is conducted using the Gaussian Estimator technique, which is insensitive to biases from correlations between different flow amplitudes. The study presents, for the first time, the centrality dependence of correlations involving up to five different symmetry planes. The correlation strength varies depending on the harmonic order of the symmetry plane and the collision centrality. Comparisons with measurements from lower energies indicate no significant differences within uncertainties. Additionally, the results are compared with hydrodynamic model calculations. Although the model predictions provide a qualitative explanation of the experimental results, they overestimate the data for some observables. This is particularly true for correlators that are sensitive to the non-linear response of the medium to initial-state anisotropies in the collision system. As these new correlators provide unique information -- independent of flow amplitudes -- their usage in future model developments can further constrain the properties of the strongly-interacting matter created in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Centrality dependence of $\langle\cos[6(\Psi_3-\Psi_2)]\rangle$ in Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV.
Centrality dependence of $\langle\cos[4(\Psi_4-\Psi_2)]\rangle$ in Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV.
Centrality dependence of $\langle\cos[8(\Psi_4-\Psi_2)]\rangle$ in Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV.
The event-by-event correlations between three flow amplitudes are measured for the first time in Pb--Pb collisions, using higher-order Symmetric Cumulants. We find that different three-harmonic correlations develop during the collective evolution of the medium, when compared with correlations that exist in the initial state. These new results cannot be interpreted in terms of previous lower-order flow measurements, since contributions from two-harmonic correlations are explicitly removed in the new observables. Comparison with Monte Carlo simulations provides new and independent constraints for the initial conditions and system properties of nuclear matter created in heavy-ion collisions.
Centrality dependence of ${\rm SC}(2,3,4)$ in Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$~TeV.
Centrality dependence of ${\rm SC}(2,3,5)$ in Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$~TeV.
Centrality dependence of ${\rm SC}(2,4,6)$ in Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$~TeV.
Correlations between event-by-event fluctuations of anisotropic flow harmonics are measured in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of 5.02 TeV, as recorded by the ALICE detector at the LHC. This study presents correlations up to the hexagonal flow harmonic, $v_6$, which was measured for the first time. The magnitudes of these higher-order correlations are found to vary as a function of collision centrality and harmonic order. These measurements are compared to viscous hydrodynamic model calculations with EKRT initial conditions and to the iEBE-VISHNU model with TRENTo initial conditions. The observed discrepancies between the data and the model calculations vary depending on the harmonic combinations. Due to the sensitivity of model parameters estimated with Bayesian analyses to these higher-order observables, the results presented in this work provide new and independent constraints on the initial conditions and transport properties in theoretical models used to describe the system created in heavy-ion collisions.
NSC(5,2) vs centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at 5.02 TeV
NSC(5,3) vs centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at 5.02 TeV
NSC(6,2) vs centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at 5.02 TeV
We present measurements of Underlying Event observables in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 0.9 and 7 TeV. The analysis is performed as a function of the highest charged-particle transverse momentum $p_{\rm T, LT}$ in the event. Different regions are defined with respect to the azimuthal direction of the leading (highest transverse momentum) track: Toward, Transverse and Away. The Toward and Away regions collect the fragmentation products of the hardest partonic interaction. The Transverse region is expected to be most sensitive to the Underlying Event activity. The study is performed with charged particles above three different $p_{\rm T}$ thresholds: 0.15, 0.5 and 1.0 GeV/$c$. In the Transverse region we observe an increase in the multiplicity of a factor 2-3 between the lower and higher collision energies, depending on the track $p){\rm T}$ threshold considered. Data are compared to Pythia 6.4, Pythia 8.1 and Phojet. On average, all models considered underestimate the multiplicity and summed $p_{\rm T}$ in the Transverse region by about 10-30%.
Number density as a function of the leading charged-particle PT at a centre-mass-energy of 900 GeV for events having charged-particle PT > 0.15 GeV. The data is shown for the three azimuthal regions.
Number density as a function of the leading charged-particle PT at a centre-mass-energy of 7000 GeV for events having charged-particle PT > 0.15 GeV. The data is shown for the three azimuthal regions.
Number density as a function of the leading charged-particle PT at a centre-mass-energy of 900 GeV for events having charged-particle PT > 0.5 GeV. The data is shown for the three azimuthal regions.
Measurements of the inclusive J/$\psi$ yield as a function of charged-particle pseudorapidity density ${\rm d}N_{\rm ch}/\rm{d}\eta$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV with ALICE at the LHC are reported. The J/$\psi$ meson yield is measured at midrapidity ($|y|<0.9$) in the dielectron channel, for events selected based on the charged-particle multiplicity at midrapidity ($|\eta|<1$) and at forward rapidity ($-3.7<\eta<-1.7$ and $2.8<\eta<5.1$); both observables are normalized to their corresponding averages in minimum bias events. The increase of the normalized J/$\psi$ yield with normalized ${\rm d}N_{\rm ch}/\rm{d}\eta$ is significantly stronger than linear and dependent on the transverse momentum. The data are compared to theoretical predictions, which describe the observed trends well, albeit not always quantitatively.
$N_{J/psi}/<N_{J/\psi}> / N_{ch}/<N_{ch}>$, $|y^{J/\psi}|<0.9$, $p_{T}^{J/\psi}$ integrated, event selection SPD
$N_{J/psi}/<N_{J/\psi}> / N_{ch}/<N_{ch}>$, $|y^{J/\psi}|<0.9$, $p_{T}^{J/\psi}$ integrated, event selection V0
$N_{J/psi}/<N_{J/\psi}> / N_{ch}/<N_{ch}>$, $|y^{J/\psi}|<0.9$, $p_{T}^{J/\psi}$ 0-4 and 4-8 GeV/c, event selection SPD
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