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.
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.
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
The production cross sections of $\mathrm {D^0}$, $\mathrm {D^+}$, and $\mathrm {\Lambda_{c}^{+}}$ hadrons originating from beauty-hadron decays (i.e. non-prompt) were measured for the first time at midrapidity in proton$-$lead (p$-$Pb) collisions at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. Nuclear modification factors ($R_{\mathrm {pPb}}$) of non-prompt $\mathrm {D^0}$, $\mathrm {D^+}$, and $\mathrm {\Lambda_{c}^{+}}$ are calculated as a function of the transverse momentum ($p_{\mathrm T}$) to investigate the modification of the momentum spectra measured in p$-$Pb collisions with respect to those measured in proton$-$proton (pp) collisions at the same energy. The $R_{\mathrm {pPb}}$ measurements are compatible with unity and with the measurements in the prompt charm sector, and do not show a significant $p_{\mathrm T}$ dependence. The $p_{\mathrm T}$-integrated cross sections and $p_{\mathrm T}$-integrated $R_{\mathrm {pPb}}$ of non-prompt $\mathrm {D^0}$ and $\mathrm {D^+}$ mesons are also computed by extrapolating the visible cross sections down to $p_{\mathrm T}$ = 0. The non-prompt D-meson $R_{\mathrm {pPb}}$ integrated over $p_{\mathrm T}$ is compatible with unity and with model calculations implementing modification of the parton distribution functions of nucleons bound in nuclei with respect to free nucleons. The non-prompt $\mathrm {\Lambda_{c}^{+}/D^{0}}$ and $\mathrm{D^+/D^0}$ production ratios are computed to investigate hadronisation mechanisms of beauty quarks into mesons and baryons. The measured ratios as a function of $p_{\mathrm T}$ display a similar trend to that measured for charm hadrons in the same collision system.
Non-prompt $\mathrm{D}^0$ $p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production cross section $\mathrm{d}^2\sigma/\mathrm{d}p_\mathrm{T}\mathrm{d}y$ in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{{s_\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $-0.96 < y_{\mathrm{cms}} < 0.04$.
Non-prompt $\mathrm{D}^+$ $p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production cross section $\mathrm{d}^2\sigma/\mathrm{d}p_\mathrm{T}\mathrm{d}y$ in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{{s_\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $-0.96 < y_{\mathrm{cms}} < 0.04$.
Non-prompt $\Lambda_{c}^{+}$ $p_\mathrm{{T}}$-differential production cross section $\mathrm{d}^2\sigma/\mathrm{d}p_\mathrm{T}\mathrm{d}y$ in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{{s_\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{{TeV}}$ in the rapidity interval $-0.96 < y_{\mathrm{cms}} < 0.04$.
This Letter presents the first measurement of event-by-event fluctuations of the net number (difference between the particle and antiparticle multiplicities) of multistrange hadrons $\Xi^-$ and $\overline{\Xi}^+$ and its correlation with the net-kaon number using the data collected by the ALICE Collaboration in pp, p$-$Pb, and Pb$-$Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02\ \mathrm{TeV}$. The statistical hadronization model with a correlation over three units of rapidity between hadrons having the same and opposite strangeness content successfully describes the results. On the other hand, string-fragmentation models that mainly correlate strange hadrons with opposite strange quark content over a small rapidity range fail to describe the data.
Pearson correlation coefficient between the net-$\Xi$ number and net-K number, $\rho_{\Delta\Xi\Delta\mathrm{K}}$, in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 5.02$ TeV
Pearson correlation coefficient between the net-$\Xi$ number and net-K number, $\rho_{\Delta\Xi\Delta\mathrm{K}}$, in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV
Pearson correlation coefficient between the net-$\Xi$ number and net-K number, $\rho_{\Delta\Xi\Delta\mathrm{K}}$, in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV
The first measurements of dielectron production at midrapidity ($|\eta_{c}|<0.8$) in proton-proton and proton-lead collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 5.02 TeV at the LHC are presented. The dielectron cross section is measured with the ALICE detector as a function of the invariant mass $m_{\rm{ee}}$ and the pair transverse momentum $p_{\rm{T,ee}}$ in the ranges $m_{\rm{ee}}$ < 3.5 GeV/$c^{2}$ and $p_{\rm{T,ee}}$ < 8.0 GeV/$c^{2}$, in both collision systems. In proton-proton collisions, the charm and beauty cross sections are determined at midrapidity from a fit to the data with two different event generators. This complements the existing dielectron measurements performed at $\sqrt{s}$ = 7 and 13 TeV. The slope of the $\sqrt{s}$ dependence of the three measurements is described by FONLL calculations. The dielectron cross section measured in proton-lead collisions is in agreement, within the current precision, with the expected dielectron production without any nuclear matter effects for $\rm{e}^{+}\rm{e}^{-}$ pairs from open heavy-flavor hadron decays. For the first time at LHC energies, the dielectron production in proton-lead and proton-proton collisions are directly compared at the same $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ via the dielectron nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm{pPb}}$. The measurements are compared to model calculations including cold nuclear matter effects, or additional sources of dielectrons from thermal radiation.
Charm production cross section at midrapidity
In this Letter, the first evidence of the ${}^4_{\bar{\Lambda}}\overline{\mathrm{He}}$ antihypernucleus is presented, along with the first measurement at the LHC of the production of (anti)hypernuclei with mass number $A=4$, specifically (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$ and (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$. In addition, the antiparticle-to-particle ratios for both hypernuclei (${}^4_{\bar{\Lambda}}\overline{\mathrm{H}}$ / ${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$~and ${}^4_{\bar{\Lambda}}\overline{\mathrm{He}}$ / ${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$) are shown, which are sensitive to the baryochemical potential of the strongly-interacting matter created in heavy-ion collisions. The results are obtained from a data sample of central Pb--Pb collisions, collected during the 2018 LHC data-taking at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}} = $ 5.02 TeV. The yields measured for the average of the charge-conjugated states are found to be $[0.78 \; \pm \; 0.19 \; \mathrm{(stat.)} \; \pm \; 0.17 \; \mathrm{(syst.)}] \times 10^{-6}$ for the (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$ and $[1.08 \; \pm \; 0.34 \; \mathrm{(stat.)} \; \pm \; 0.20 \; \mathrm{(syst.)}] \times 10^{-6}$ for the (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$, and the measured antiparticle-to-particle ratios are in agreement with unity. The presence of (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$ and (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$ excited states is expected to strongly enhance the production yield of these hypernuclei. The yield values exhibit a combined deviation of 3.3$\sigma$ from the theoretical ground-state-only expectation, while the inclusion of the excited states in the calculations leads to an agreement within 0.6$\sigma$ with the present measurements. Additionally, the measured (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{H}$ and (anti)${}^4_{\Lambda}\mathrm{He}$ masses are compatible with the world-average values within the uncertainties.
average pT-integrated yield of particle and antiparticle of both analyzed (anti)hypernuclei in Pb-Pb collisions in 0-10% V0M centrality class
mass measurement of both analyzed (anti)hypernuclei in Pb-Pb collisions in 0-10% V0M centrality class
antiparticle-to-particle ratio of the analyzed (anti)hypernuclei in Pb-Pb collisions in 0-10% V0M centrality class
Short-range correlations between charged particles are studied via two-particle angular correlations in pp collisions at ${\sqrt{{\textit s}}}=13$~TeV. The correlation functions are measured as a function of the relative azimuthal angle $\Delta\varphi$ and the pseudorapidity separation $\Delta\eta$ for pairs of primary charged particles within the pseudorapidity interval $|\eta| < 0.9$ and the transverse-momentum range $1 < p_{\rm T} < 8$ GeV/$c$. Near-side ($|\Delta\varphi|<1.3$) peak widths are extracted from a generalised Gaussian fitted over the correlations in full pseudorapidity separation ($|\Delta\eta|<1.8$), while the per-trigger associated near-side yields are extracted for the short-range correlations ($|\Delta\eta|<1.3$). Both are evaluated as a function of charged-particle multiplicity obtained by two different event activity estimators. The width of the near-side peak decreases with increasing multiplicity, and this trend is reproduced qualitatively by the Monte Carlo event generators PYTHIA 8, AMPT, and EPOS. However, the models overestimate the width in the low transverse-momentum region ($p_{\rm T} < 3$ GeV/$c$). The per-trigger associated near-side yield increases with increasing multiplicity. Although this trend is also captured qualitatively by the considered event generators, the yield is mostly overestimated by the models in the considered kinematic range. The measurement of the shape and yield of the short-range correlation peak can help us understand the interplay between jet fragmentation and event activity, quantify the narrowing trend of the near-side peak as a function of transverse momentum and multiplicity selections in pp collisions, and search for final-state jet modification in small collision systems.
Multiplicity dependence of the near-side width $\sigma$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 13$ TeV. Obtained in transverse momentum intervals $1.0 < p_\mathrm{T, assoc} < p_\mathrm{T, trig} < 2.0$ GeV/$c$. The multiplicity is estimated with midrapidity multiplicity estimator ($|\eta|<1.0,\,p_\mathrm{T}>0.2$ GeV/$c$).
Multiplicity dependence of the near-side width $\sigma$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 13$ TeV. Obtained in transverse momentum intervals $2.0 < p_\mathrm{T, trig} < 3.0$ GeV/$c$ and $1.0 < p_\mathrm{T, assoc} < 2.0$ GeV/$c$. The mulitplicity is estimated with midrapidity multiplicity estimator ($|\eta|<1.0,\,p_\mathrm{T}>0.2$ GeV/$c$).
Multiplicity dependence of the near-side width $\sigma$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 13$ TeV. Obtained in transverse momentum intervals $2.0 < p_\mathrm{T, assoc} < p_\mathrm{T, trig} < 3.0$ GeV/$c$. The multiplicity is estimated with midrapidity multiplicity estimator ($|\eta|<1.0,\,p_\mathrm{T}>0.2$ GeV/$c$).
The ALICE Collaboration at the CERN LHC has measured the inclusive production cross section of isolated photons at midrapidity as a function of the photon transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}^{\gamma}$), in Pb$-$Pb collisions in different centrality intervals, and in pp collisions, at centre-of-momentum energy per nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=5.02$ TeV. The photon transverse momentum range is between 10-14 and 40-140 GeV/$c$, depending on the collision system and on the Pb$-$Pb centrality class. The result extends to lower $p_{\rm T}^{\gamma}$ than previously published results by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the same collision energy. The covered pseudorapidity range is $|\eta^{\gamma}| <0.67$. The isolation selection is based on a charged particle isolation momentum threshold $p_{\rm T}^{\rm iso,~ch} = 1.5$ GeV/$c$ within a cone of radii $R=0.2$ and $0.4$. The nuclear modification factor is calculated and found to be consistent with unity in all centrality classes, and also consistent with the HG-PYTHIA model, which describes the event selection and geometry biases that affect the centrality determination in peripheral Pb$-$Pb collisions. The measurement is compared to next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations and to the measurements of isolated photons and Z$^0$ bosons from the CMS experiment, which are all found to be in agreement.
Isolated-photon differential cross section measured in pp and Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{TeV}$ for five Pb$-$Pb centrality classes for $R=0.2$. Note that the Pb$-$Pb data in the first five columns is scaled by $\langle N_{\mathrm{coll}} \rangle$, unlike in the figure in the paper where the theory was scaled by $\langle N_{\mathrm{coll}} \rangle$. Last two columns correspond to theory NLO pQCD calculations with JETPHOX, for pp (PDF) and Pb$-$Pb (nPDF) collisions calculated for the 0$-$100% centrality class. Data statistical and systematic uncertainties are provided. The theory scale and PDF uncertainties are provided. The data normalisation uncertainties are provided in the paper.
Isolated-photon differential cross section measured in pp and Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{TeV}$ for five Pb$-$Pb centrality classes for $R=0.4$. Note that the Pb$-$Pb data in the first five columns is scaled by $\langle N_{\mathrm{coll}} \rangle$, unlike in the figure in the paper where the theory was scaled by $\langle N_{\mathrm{coll}} \rangle$. Last two columns correspond to theory NLO pQCD calculations with JETPHOX, for pp (PDF) and Pb$-$Pb (nPDF) collisions calculated for the 0$-$100% centrality class. Data statistical and systematic uncertainties are provided. The theory scale and PDF uncertainties are provided. The data normalisation uncertainties are provided in the paper.
Ratio of isolated-photon cross section measured with $R=0.4$ over $R=0.2$ for Pb$-$Pb and pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=5.02~\mathrm{TeV}$. Each column for each Pb$-$Pb collisions centrality class and for pp collisions. The last two columns for the NLO pQCD JETPHOX calculations for pp (PDF) and Pb$-$Pb (nPDF) collisions. Data statistical and systematic uncertainties are provided. The theory statiscal (Monte Carlo approach) and PDF uncertainties are provided.
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.
Forum