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.
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.
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 interaction between $\Lambda$ baryons and kaons/antikaons is a crucial ingredient for the strangeness $S=0$ and $S=-2$ sector of the meson$-$baryon interaction at low energies. In particular, the $\Lambda{\mathrm{\overline{K}}}$ might help in understanding the origin of states such as the $\Xi\mathrm{(1620)}$, whose nature and properties are still under debate. Experimental data on $\Lambda$$-$${\mathrm{K}}$ and $\Lambda$$-$${\mathrm{\overline{K}}}$ systems are scarce, leading to large uncertainties and tension between the available theoretical predictions constrained by such data. In this Letter we present the measurements of $\Lambda$$-$K$^+\oplus \overline{\Lambda}$$-$K$^-$ and $\Lambda$$-$K$^-\oplus \overline{\Lambda}$$-$K$^+$ correlations obtained in the high-multiplicity triggered data sample in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV recorded by ALICE at the LHC. The correlation function for both pairs is modeled using the Lednicky$-$Lyuboshits analytical formula and the corresponding scattering parameters are extracted. The $\Lambda$$-$K$^-\oplus \overline{\Lambda}$$-$K$^+$ correlations show the presence of several structures at relative momenta $k^*$ above 200 MeV/$c$, compatible with the $\Omega$ baryon, the $\Xi\mathrm{(1690)}$, and $\Xi\mathrm{(1820)}$ resonances decaying into $\Lambda$$-$K$^-$ pairs. The low $k^*$ region in the $\Lambda$$-$K$^-\oplus \overline{\Lambda}$$-$K$^+$ also exhibits the presence of the $\Xi\mathrm{(1620)}$ state, expected to strongly couple to the measured pair. The presented data allow to access the $\Lambda$K$^+$ and $\Lambda$K$^-$ strong interaction with an unprecedented precision and deliver the first experimental observation of the $\Xi\mathrm{(1620)}$ decaying into $\Lambda$K$^-$.
$\Lambda K^{-}$ correlation function in high-multiplicity pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV.
$\Lambda K^{+}$ correlation function in high-multiplicity pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV.
$C_{background}$ correlation for $\Lambda K^{+}$ correlation function in high-multiplicity pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV.
Measurements of the production of electrons from heavy-flavour hadron decays in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV at midrapidity with the ALICE detector are presented down to a transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) of 0.2 GeV$/c$ and up to $p_{\rm T} = 35$ GeV$/c$, which is the largest momentum range probed for inclusive electron measurements in ALICE. In p$-$Pb collisions, the production cross section and the nuclear modification factor of electrons from heavy-flavour hadron decays are measured in the $p_{\rm T}$ range $0.5 < p_{\rm T} < 26$ GeV$/c$ at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 8.16$ TeV. The nuclear modification factor is found to be consistent with unity within the statistical and systematic uncertainties. In both collision systems, first measurements of the yields of electrons from heavy-flavour hadron decays in different multiplicity intervals normalised to the multiplicity-integrated yield (self-normalised yield) at midrapidity are reported as a function of the self-normalised charged-particle multiplicity estimated at midrapidity. The self-normalised yields in pp and p$-$Pb collisions grow faster than linear with the self-normalised multiplicity. A strong $p_{\rm T}$ dependence is observed in pp collisions, where the yield of high-$p_{\rm T}$ electrons increases faster as a function of multiplicity than the one of low-$p_{\rm T}$ electrons. The measurement in p$-$Pb collisions shows no $p_{\rm T}$ dependence within uncertainties. The self-normalised yields in pp and p$-$Pb collisions are compared with measurements of other heavy-flavour, light-flavour, and strange particles, and with Monte Carlo simulations.
pT-differential cross section of electrons from heavy-flavour hadron decays in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV measured at midrapidity
pT-differential cross section of electrons from heavy-flavour hadron decays in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 8.16 TeV measured at midrapidity
The Nuclear modification factor RpPb of electrons from heavy-flavour hadron decays in p--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 8.16 TeV
The study of the azimuthal anisotropy of inclusive muons produced in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 8.16$ TeV, using the ALICE detector at the LHC is reported. The measurement of the second-order Fourier coefficient of the particle azimuthal distribution, $v_2$, is performed as a function of transverse momentum $p_{\rm T}$ in the 0-20% high-multiplicity interval at both forward ($2.03 < y_{\rm CMS} < 3.53$) and backward ($-4.46 < y_{\rm CMS} < -2.96$) rapidities over a wide $p_{\rm T}$ range, $0.5 < p_{\rm T} < 10$ GeV/$c$, in which a dominant contribution of muons from heavy-flavour hadron decays is expected at $p_{\rm T} > 2$ GeV/$c$. The $v_2$ coefficient of inclusive muons is extracted using two different techniques, namely two-particle cumulants, used for the first time for heavy-flavour measurements, and forward-central two-particle correlations. Both techniques give compatible results. A positive $v_2$ is measured at both forward and backward rapidities with a significance larger than $4.7\sigma$ and $7.6\sigma$, respectively, in the interval $2 < p_{\rm T} < 6$ GeV/$c$. Comparisons with previous measurements in p-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02$ TeV, and with AMPT and CGC-based theoretical calculations are discussed. The findings impose new constraints on the theoretical interpretations of the origin of the collective behaviour in small collision systems.
Inclusive muon $v_{2}^{\mu}$ as a function of $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ is measured by two-particle correlation method at forward rapidities in high-multiplicity (0$-$20%) p$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$= 8.16 TeV. The event activity is estimated with the V0M estimator.
Inclusive muon $v_{2}^{\mu}$ as a function of $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ is measured by two-particle cumulant method at forward rapidities in high-multiplicity (0$-$20%) p$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$= 8.16 TeV. The event activity is estimated with the V0M estimator.
Inclusive muon $v_{2}^{\mu}$ as a function of $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ is measured by two-particle correlation method at backward rapidities in high-multiplicity (0$-$20%) p$-$Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$= 8.16 TeV. The event activity is estimated with the V0M estimator.
The ALICE Collaboration reports three measurements in ultra-peripheral proton$-$lead collisions at forward rapidity. The exclusive two-photon process \ggmm and the exclusive photoproduction of J/$\psi$ are studied. J/$\psi$ photoproduction with proton dissociation is measured for the first time at a hadron collider. The cross section for the two-photon process of dimuons in the invariant mass range from 1 to 2.5 GeV/$c^2$ agrees with leading order quantum electrodynamics calculations. The exclusive and dissociative cross sections for J/$\psi$ photoproductions are measured for photon$-$proton centre-of-mass energies from 27 to 57 GeV. They are in good agreement with HERA results.
Differential cross sections DSIGMA/DM for exclusive GAMMA* GAMMA* to MU+ MU- production in p–Pb UPCs for each mass and rapidity interval
Exclusive J/psi photoproduction cross section in p-Pb UPC.
Dissociative J/psi photoproduction cross section in p-Pb UPC.
The interactions of kaons (K) and antikaons ($\mathrm{\overline{K}}$) with few nucleons (N) were studied so far using kaonic atom data and measurements of kaon production and interaction yields in nuclei. Some details of the three-body KNN and $\mathrm{\overline{K}}$NN dynamics are still not well understood, mainly due to the overlap with multi-nucleon interactions in nuclei. An alternative method to probe the dynamics of three-body systems with kaons is to study the final state interaction within triplet of particles emitted in pp collisions at the Large Hadron Collider, which are free from effects due to the presence of bound nucleons. This Letter reports the first femtoscopic study of p$-$p$-$K$^+$ and p$-$p$-$K$^-$ correlations measured in high-multiplicity pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV by the ALICE Collaboration. The analysis shows that the measured p$-$p$-$K$^+$ and p$-$p$-$K$^-$ correlation functions can be interpreted in terms of pairwise interactions in the triplets, indicating that the dynamics of such systems is dominated by the two-body interactions without significant contributions from three-body effects or bound states.
The (p-p)-K$^+$ correlation function obtained using the data-driven approach.
The p-(p-K$^+$) correlation function obtained using the data-driven approach.
Lower-order contributions to the p-p-K$^+$ correlation function obtained using the data-driven approach.
The pseudorapidity density of charged particles with minimum transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) thresholds of 0.15, 0.5, 1, and 2 GeV$/c$ is measured in pp collisions at the centre of mass energies of $\sqrt{s} =$ 5.02 and 13 TeV with the ALICE detector. The study is carried out for inelastic collisions with at least one primary charged particle having a pseudorapidity ($\eta$) within $\pm0.8$ and $p_{\rm T}$ larger than the corresponding threshold. In addition, measurements without $p_{\rm T}$-thresholds are performed for inelastic and non-single-diffractive events as well as for inelastic events with at least one charged particle having $|\eta|<1$ in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} =$ 5.02 TeV for the first time at the LHC. These measurements are compared to the PYTHIA 6, PYTHIA 8, and EPOS-LHC models. In general, the models describe the $\eta$ dependence of particle production well. However, discrepancies are observed for the highest transverse momentum threshold ($p_{\rm T}>2 {\rm\ GeV}/c$), highlighting the importance of such measurements for tuning event generators. The new measurements agree within uncertainties with results from the ATLAS and CMS experiments obtained at $\sqrt{s} = 13$ TeV.
The distributions of $\mathrm{d}N_\mathrm{ch}/\mathrm{d}\eta$ for INEL event classes in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 5.02$ TeV
The distributions of $\mathrm{d}N_\mathrm{ch}/\mathrm{d}\eta$ for NSD event classes in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 5.02$ TeV
The distributions of $\mathrm{d}N_\mathrm{ch}/\mathrm{d}\eta$ for INEL>0 event classes in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 5.02$ TeV
The production of electrons from beauty-hadron decays was measured at midrapidity in proton-proton (pp) and central Pb-Pb collisions at center-of-mass energy per nucleon-nucleon pair $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV, using the ALICE detector at the LHC. The cross section measured in pp collisions in the transverse momentum interval $2 < p_{\rm T} < 8$ GeV/$c$ was compared with models based on perturbative quantum chromodynamics calculations. The yield in the 10% most central Pb-Pb collisions, measured in the interval $2 < p_{\rm T} < 26$ GeV/$c$, was used to compute the nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm AA}$, extrapolating the pp reference cross section to $p_{\rm T}$ larger than 8 GeV/$c$. The measured $R_{\rm AA}$ shows significant suppression of the yield of electrons from beauty-hadron decays at high $p_{\rm T}$ and does not show a significant dependence on $p_{\rm T}$ above 8 GeV/$c$ within uncertainties. The results are described by several theoretical models based on different implementations of the interaction of heavy quarks with a quark-gluon plasma, which predict a smaller energy loss for beauty quarks compared to light and charm quarks.
$p_{T}$-differential cross section of electrons from beauty-hadron decays in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=5.02$ TeV. The rapidity of electrons is |y| < 0.8.
Yield of beauty-hadron decay electrons in 0--10% central Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. The rapidity of electrons for $p_{T} < 8$ GeV/c is |y| < 0.8 and |y| < 0.6 for $p_{T} > 8$ GeV/c.
The nuclear modification factor for beauty-hadron decay electrons in 0--10% central Pb--Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 5.02$ TeV. The rapidity of electrons for $p_{T} < 8$ GeV/c is |y| < 0.8 and |y| < 0.6 for $p_{T} > 8$ GeV/c.