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).
Correlations among conserved quantum numbers, such as the net-electric charge, the net-baryon, and the net-strangeness in heavy-ion collisions, are crucial for exploring the QCD phase diagram. In this letter, these correlations are investigated using net-proton number (as a proxy for the net-baryon), net-kaon number (for the net-strangeness), and net-charged particle number in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\text{NN}}=5.02$ TeV with the ALICE detector. The observed correlations deviate from the Poissonian baseline, with a more pronounced deviation at LHC energies than at RHIC. Theoretical calculations of the Thermal-FIST hadron resonance gas model, HIJING, and EPOS LHC event generators are compared with experimental results, where a significant impact of resonance decays is observed. Thermal-FIST calculations under the grand canonical and canonical ensembles highlight significant differences, underscoring the role of local charge conservation in explaining the data. Recent lattice QCD studies have demonstrated that the magnetic field generated by spectator protons in heavy-ion collisions affects susceptibility ratios, in particular those related to the net-electric charge and the net-baryon numbers. The experimental findings are in qualitative agreement with the expectations of lattice QCD.
$\kappa^{2}_{\pi}$ as a function of centrality (%) in Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV for Set 1 $p_\mathrm{T}$ acceptance.
$\kappa^{2}_{\pi}$ as a function of centrality (%) in Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV for Set 2 $p_\mathrm{T}$ acceptance.
$\kappa^{2}_\mathrm{K}$ as a function of centrality (%) in Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV for Set 1 $p_\mathrm{T}$ acceptance.
The interaction between pions and nucleons plays a crucial role in hadron physics. It represents a fundamental building block of the low-energy QCD dynamics and is subject to several resonance excitations. This work studies the p-$\pi^{\pm}$ dynamics using femtoscopic correlations in high-multiplicity pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV measured by ALICE at the LHC. As the final-state interaction between protons and pions is well constrained by scattering experiments and the study of pionic hydrogen, the results give access to information on the particle-emitting source in pp collisions using the femtoscopy methods. The scaling of the source size of primordial protons and pions against their pair transverse mass is extracted. The results are compared with the source sizes studied with p-p, p-K$^+$, and $\pi^{\pm}$-$\pi^{\pm}$ pairs by ALICE in the same collision system and are found to be in agreement for the different particle pairs. This reinforces recent findings by ALICE of a common emission source for all hadron-pairs in pp collisions at LHC energies. Furthermore, the p-p-$\pi^{\pm}$ systems are studied using three-particle femtoscopy in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV. The presence of three-body effects is analyzed utilizing the cumulant expansion method. In this formalism, the known two-body interactions are subtracted in order to isolate the three-body effects. For both, p-p-$\pi^{+}$ and p-p-$\pi^{-}$, a non-zero cumulant is found, indicating effects beyond pairwise interactions. These results give information on the coupling of the pion to multiple nucleons.
p-$\pi^{+}$ + antip-$\pi^{-}$ correlation function in high-multiplicity (0-0.17%) pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV for $m_\text{T} \in [0.54, 0.75)$ GeV/$c^2$
p-$\pi^{+}$ + antip-$\pi^{-}$ correlation function in high-multiplicity (0-0.17%) pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV for $m_\text{T} \in [0.75, 0.95)$ GeV/$c^2$
p-$\pi^{+}$ + antip-$\pi^{-}$ correlation function in high-multiplicity (0-0.17%) pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV for $m_\text{T} \in [0.95, 1.20)$ GeV/$c^2$
We present the measurement of the $p_{\rm T}$-differential production cross section of $\omega$ mesons in pp and p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV at midrapidity by ALICE. In addition, the first measurement of the nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm{pPb}}$ for $\omega$ mesons at LHC energies is presented, complementing the existing measurements of lighter neutral mesons such as the $\pi^0$ and $\eta$. Within the measured $p_{\rm T}$-range, the $R_{\rm{pPb}}$ of $\omega$ mesons shows no cold nuclear matter effects within the uncertainties, consistent with previous measurements at lower energies. The $\omega/\pi^0$ ratio is presented for both collision systems, showing no collision system dependence within the uncertainties. The comparison to previously published $\omega/\pi^0$ ratios at lower and higher collision energies in pp collisions suggests a decreasing trend of the ratio above $p_{\rm T} = 4$ GeV/$c$ with increasing collision energy. The data in both collision systems are compared to predictions from PYTHIA 8, EPOS LHC and DPMJET event generators, revealing significant shortcomings in these models' ability to describe the production of $\omega$ mesons.
Differential production cross section of $\omega$ mesons in pp collisions at 5.02 TeV. In addition to the edges of the $p_{\rm T}$ intervals, the table shows the corresponding $p_{\rm T}$ position as described in the publication.
Differential production cross section of $\omega$ mesons in p--Pb collisions at 5.02 TeV. In addition to the edges of the $p_{\rm T}$ intervals, the table shows the corresponding $p_{\rm T}$ position as described in the publication.
Production ratio of $\omega$ to $\pi^{0}$ mesons in pp collisions at 5.02 TeV.
This paper presents the measurement of the isolated prompt photon inclusive production cross section in pp and p-Pb collisions by the ALICE Collaboration at the LHC. The measurement is performed in p-Pb collisions at centre-of-mass energies per nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV and $8.16$ TeV, as well as in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 5.02$ TeV and $8$ TeV. The cross section is obtained at midrapidity $(|y|<0.7)$ using a charged-track based isolation momentum $p_{\rm T}^{\rm{iso, ch}} < 1.5$ GeV/$c$ in a cone with radius $R = 0.4$. The data for both collision systems are well reproduced by perturbative QCD (pQCD) calculations at next-to-leading order (NLO) using recent parton distribution functions for free (PDF) and bound (nPDF) nucleons. Furthermore, the nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm{pA}}$ for both collision energies is consistent with unity for $p_{\rm T} > 20$ GeV/$c$. However, deviations from unity ($R_{\rm pA}<1$) of up to 20% are observed for $p_{\rm T} < 20$ GeV/$c$ with limited significance, indicating the possible presence of nuclear effects in the initial state of the collision. The suppression increases with decreasing $p_{\rm T}$ with a significance of $2.3\sigma$ for a non-zero slope and yields $R_{\rm pA} < 1$ with a significance of $1.8\sigma$ at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 8.16$ TeV for $p_{\rm T} < 20$ GeV/$c$. In addition, a significance of $1.1\sigma$ is observed for $R_{\rm pA}<1$ at the lower collision energy $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV for $p_{\rm T} < 14$ GeV/$c$. The magnitude and shape of the suppression are consistent with pQCD predictions at NLO using nPDFs that incorporate nuclear shadowing effects in the Pb nucleus.
Differential cross section of isolated prompt photon production in pp collisions at 8 TeV.
Differential cross section of isolated prompt photon production in p--Pb collisions at 8.16 TeV.
Differential cross section of isolated prompt photon production in p--Pb collisions at 5.02 TeV.
The mass of the top quark is measured using top-antitop-quark pair events with high transverse momentum top quarks. The dataset, collected with the ATLAS detector in proton--proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV delivered by the Large Hadron Collider, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 140 fb$^{-1}$. The analysis targets events in the lepton-plus-jets decay channel, with an electron or muon from a semi-leptonically decaying top quark and a hadronically decaying top quark that is sufficiently energetic to be reconstructed as a single large-radius jet. The mean of the invariant mass of the reconstructed large-radius jet provides the sensitivity to the top quark mass and is simultaneously fitted with two additional observables to reduce the impact of the systematic uncertainties. The top quark mass is measured to be $m_t = 172.95 \pm 0.53$ GeV, which is the most precise ATLAS measurement from a single channel.
Values and uncertainties for the parameters of interest in the profile likelihood fit to $\overline{m_J}$, $m_{jj}$, and $m_{tj}$ using data. The parameters of interest are the top quark mass, $m_t$, and the ratio of the measured cross-section to the Standard Model expectation of the $t\bar{t}$ cross-section, $\mu$.
Post-fit central values and uncertaintes for the nuisance parameters (including MC stat uncertainty terms) used in the profile likelihood fit to $\overline{m_J}$, $m_{jj}$, and $m_{tj}$ using data.
Covariance matrix for the profile likelihood fit to $\overline{m_J}$, $m_{jj}$, and $m_{tj}$ using data.
A signal consistent with the $\Omega$(2012) baryon has been observed with a significance of $15\sigma$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV at the LHC. In this paper, the analysis technique is described and measurements of the mass and width of the $\Omega$(2012) are reported, along with the first measurement of its transverse-momentum spectrum and yield. This paper corroborates the observation by Belle of this excited $\Omega$ state and the observation that the $\Omega$(2012) has a rather narrow width for a strongly decaying resonance. The yield measurement is combined with a statistical thermal model calculation of strange baryon yield ratios to obtain estimates of the $\Omega{\rm (2012)}^{-} \rightarrow \Xi\overline{\rm K}$ branching ratios. These results will improve our understanding of the internal structure and mass spectrum of excited baryon states and serve as a baseline for searches regarding modifications of these properties in high-temperature media.
The measured mass of $\Omega(2012)^{-}$ and $\overline{\Omega}(2012)^{+}$ (anti)baryons. The uncertainties are (1) statistical and (2) systematic.
The measured width of $\Omega(2012)^{-}$ and $\overline{\Omega}(2012)^{+}$ (anti)baryons. The uncertainties are (1) statistical and (2) systematic.
The measured $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ spectrum of $\Omega(2012)^{-}$ and $\overline{\Omega}(2012)^{+}$ (anti)baryons in high-multiplicity proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV. The uncertainties are (1) statistical, (2) total systematic, and (3) the part of the systematic uncertainties that is uncorrelated between $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ bins. The yield values have not been corrected for the $\Omega(2012)^{-}\rightarrow\Xi^{-}\mathrm{K^{0}_{S}}$ branching ratio.
This paper presents the primary charged-particle multiplicity distributions in proton-lead collisions at a centre-of-mass energy per nucleon-nucleon collision of $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV. The distributions are reported for non-single diffractive collisions in different pseudorapidity ranges. The measurements are performed using the combined information from the Silicon Pixel Detector and the Forward Multiplicity Detector of ALICE. The multiplicity distributions are parametrised with a double negative binomial distribution function which provides satisfactory descriptions of the distributions for all the studied pseudorapidity intervals. The data are compared to models and analysed quantitatively, evaluating the first four moments (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis). The shape evolution of the measured multiplicity distributions is studied in terms of KNO variables and it is found that none of the considered models reproduces the measurements. This paper also reports on the average charged-particle multiplicity, normalised by the average number of participating nucleon pairs, as a function of the collision energy. The multiplicity results are then compared to measurements made in proton-proton and nucleus-nucleus collisions across a wide range of collision energies.
Charged-particle multiplicity distributions for different pseudorapidity intervals measured in NSD p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}} = 5020~\mathrm{GeV}$.
The pseudorapidity dependence of the double NBD parameters $\langle n \rangle_1$, $\langle n \rangle_2$, $k_1$, and $k_2$ in NSD p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}} = 5020~\mathrm{GeV}$.
First four moments ($\langle N_{\mathrm{ch}}\rangle$, $\sigma$, $S$, and $\kappa$) of charged-particle multiplicity distributions for different pseudorapidity intervals in NSD p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}} = 5020~\mathrm{GeV}$.
Hard-scattered partons ejected from high-energy proton-proton collisions undergo parton shower and hadronization, resulting in collimated collections of particles that are clustered into jets. A substructure observable that highlights the transition between the perturbative and non-perturbative regimes of jet evolution in terms of the angle between two particles is the two-point energy correlator (EEC). In this letter, the first measurement of the EEC at RHIC is presented, using data taken from 200 GeV $p$+$p$ collisions by the STAR experiment. The EEC is measured both for all the pairs of particles in jets and separately for pairs with like and opposite electric charges. These measurements demonstrate that the transition between perturbative and non-perturbative effects occurs within an angular region that is consistent with expectations of a universal hadronization regime that scales with jet momentum. Additionally, a deviation from Monte-Carlo predictions at small angles in the charge-selected sample could result from mechanics of hadronization not fully captured by current models.
Corrected distributions of the normalized EEC differential in $R_{L}$ for $R_{\rm jet}=$ 0.6, with jet transverse momentum selections 15 $< p_{\rm T, jet} <$ 20 GeV/c and 30 $< p_{\rm T, jet} <$ 50 GeV/c
Corrected distributions of the normalized EEC within jets, differential in $ \left\langle p_{\rm T,jet} \right\rangle R_{L} $ at $R_{\rm jet} =$ 0.6 for one $p_{\rm T, jet}$ selection. Each distribution is normalized to integrate to one in $R_{L}$ prior to shifting.
Corrected distributions of the normalized EEC within jets, differential in $ \left\langle p_{\rm T,jet} \right\rangle R_{L} $ at $R_{\rm jet} =$ 0.6 for one $p_{\rm T, jet}$ selection. Each distribution is normalized to integrate to one in $R_{L}$ prior to shifting.
We report measurements of $\varUpsilon(1S)$, $\varUpsilon(2S)$ and $\varUpsilon(3S)$ production in $\textit{p+p}$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}=500\:\mathrm{GeV}$ by the STAR experiment in year 2011, corresponding to an integrated luminosity $\mathcal{L}_{int}=13\:\mathrm{pb^{-1}}$. The results provide precise cross sections, transverse momentum ($p_{T}$) and rapidity ($y$) spectra, as well as cross section ratios for $p_{\mathrm{T}}<10\:\mathrm{GeV/c}$ and $|y|<1$. The dependence of the $\varUpsilon$ yield on charged particle multiplicity has also been measured, offering new insights into the mechanisms of quarkonium production. The data are compared to various theoretical models: the Color Evaporation Model (CEM) accurately describes the $\varUpsilon(1S)$ production, while the Color Glass Condensate + Non-relativistic Quantum Chromodynamics (CGC+NRQCD) model overestimates the data, particularly at low $p_{T}$. Conversely, the Color Singlet Model (CSM) underestimates the rapidity dependence. These discrepancies highlight the need for further development in understanding the production dynamics of heavy quarkonia in high-energy hadronic collisions. The trend in the multiplicity dependence is consistent with CGC/Saturation and String Percolation models or $\varUpsilon$ production happening in multiple parton interactions modeled by PYTHIA8.
The invariant mass distribution of electron pairs collected from p+p collisions at 500 GeV.
Single electron efficiencies.
Upsilon reconstruction efficiencies.