We measure triangular flow relative to the reaction plane at 3 GeV center-of-mass energy in Au+Au collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. A significant $v_3$ signal for protons is observed, which increases for higher rapidity, higher transverse momentum, and more peripheral collisions. The triangular flow is essentially rapidity-odd with a slope at mid-rapidity, $dv_3/dy|_{(y=0)}$, opposite in sign compared to the slope for directed flow. No significant $v_3$ signal is observed for charged pions and kaons. Comparisons with models suggest that a mean field potential is required to describe these results, and that the triangular shape of the participant nucleons is the result of stopping and nuclear geometry.
Event plane resolutions for calculating $v_3\{\Psi_1\}$ as a function of centrality from $\sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}}=3$ GeV Au+Au collisions at STAR.
Event plane resolutions for calculating $v_3\{\Psi_1\}$ as a function of centrality from $\sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}}=3$ GeV Au+Au collisions at STAR.
$v_3\{\Psi_1\}$ vs. centrality for $\pi^+$, $\pi^-$, and protons using the event plane method in $\sqrt{s_{\textrm{NN}}}=3$ GeV Au+Au collisions at STAR.
We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants ($C_{5}$, $C_{6}$) and factorial cumulants ($\kappa_{5}$, $\kappa_{6}$) of net-proton and proton distributions, from $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 3 - 200$ GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. The net-proton cumulant ratios generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 GeV. $C_{6}/C_{2}$ for 0-40% centrality collisions is increasingly negative with decreasing $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$, while it is positive for the lowest $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (at baryon chemical potential, $\mu_{B} \leq$ 110 MeV) that include a crossover quark-hadron transition. In addition, for $\sqrt{s_{NN}} \geq$ 11.5 GeV, the measured proton $\kappa_{n}$, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component shape of proton distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyper-order proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, $\mu_{B}\sim 750$ MeV ($\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 GeV) is starkly different from those at vanishing $\mu_{B}\sim 20$MeV ($\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV and higher).
Event-by-event proton multiplicity distributions for 0-40$\%$, 0-5$\%$ and 50-60$\%$ Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 3 GeV. The distributions are not corrected for proton and antiproton detection efficiency.
Proton factorial cumulants K4, K5 and K6 in 0-40$\%$ and 50-60$\%$ Au+Au collisions from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 - 200 GeV. At $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 GeV, measurement is done with halfrapdity coverage (-0.5 $<$ y $<$ 0) while for rest of energies the rapidity coverage is (-0.5 $<$ y $<$ -0.5).
Proton factorial cumulants K4, K5 and K6 from UrQMD model (0-40$\%$ and 50-60$\%$ centrality) for Au+Au collisions from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 3 - 200 GeV. UrQMD calculation for 3 GeVis with rapidity coverage (-0.5 $<$ y $<$ 0) while for rest of energies the rapidity coverage is (-0.5 $<$ y $<$ -0.5). In addition, two-component model (0-40$\%$) calculations for facorial cumulants are also given.
The STAR collaboration presents jet substructure measurements related to both the momentum fraction and the opening angle within jets in \pp and \AuAu collisions at \sqrtsn $= 200$ GeV. The substructure observables include SoftDrop groomed momentum fraction (\zg), groomed jet radius (\rg), and subjet momentum fraction (\zsj) and opening angle (\tsj). The latter observable is introduced for the first time. Fully corrected subjet measurements are presented for \pp collisions and are compared to leading order Monte Carlo models. The subjet \tsj~distributions reflect the jets leading opening angle and are utilized as a proxy for the resolution scale of the medium in \AuAu collisions. We compare data from \AuAu collisions to those from \pp which are embedded in minimum-bias \AuAu events in order to include the effects of detector smearing and the heavy-ion collision underlying event. The subjet observables are shown to be more robust to the background than \zg~and \rg. We observe no significant modifications of the subjet observables within the two highest-energy, back-to-back jets, resulting in a distribution of opening angles and the splittings that are vacuum-like. We also report measurements of the differential di-jet momentum imbalance ($A_{\rm{J}}$) for jets of varying \tsj. We find no qualitative differences in energy loss signatures for varying angular scales in the range $0.1 < $\tsj $ < 0.3$, leading to the possible interpretation that energy loss in this population of high momentum di-jet pairs, is due to soft medium-induced gluon radiation from a single color-charge as it traverses the medium.
$z_{g}$ for HardCore Trigger jets in AuAu Data anti-kT R$=$0.4
$z_{g}$ for HardCore Trigger jets in pp$+$AuAu Data anti-kT R$=$0.4
$z_{g}$ for Matched Trigger jets in AuAu Data anti-kT R$=$0.4
Elliptic flow measurements from two-, four- and six-particle correlations are used to investigate flow fluctuations in collisions of U+U at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$= 193 GeV, Cu+Au at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$= 200 GeV and Au+Au spanning the range $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$= 11.5 - 200 GeV. The measurements show a strong dependence of the flow fluctuations on collision centrality, a modest dependence on system size, and very little if any, dependence on particle species and beam energy. The results, when compared to similar LHC measurements, viscous hydrodynamic calculations, and T$\mathrel{\protect\raisebox{-2.1pt}{R}}$ENTo model eccentricities, indicate that initial-state-driven fluctuations predominate the flow fluctuations generated in the collisions studied.
The Au+Au 200 GeV measurements of the two and four-particle elliptic flow and the elliptic flow fluctuations of the $\pi$ particle.
The Au+Au 200 GeV measurements of the two and four-particle elliptic flow and the elliptic flow fluctuations of the K particle.
The Au+Au 200 GeV measurements of the two and four-particle elliptic flow and the elliptic flow fluctuations of the p particle.
The deconfined quark-gluon plasma (QGP) created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions enables the exploration of the fundamental properties of matter under extreme conditions. Non-central collisions can produce strong magnetic fields on the order of $10^{18}$ Gauss, which offers a probe into the electrical conductivity of the QGP. In particular, quarks and anti-quarks carry opposite charges and receive contrary electromagnetic forces that alter their momenta. This phenomenon can be manifested in the collective motion of final-state particles, specifically in the rapidity-odd directed flow, denoted as $v_1(\mathsf{y})$. Here we present the charge-dependent measurements of $dv_1/d\mathsf{y}$ near midrapidities for $\pi^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, and $p(\bar{p})$ in Au+Au and isobar ($_{44}^{96}$Ru+$_{44}^{96}$Ru and $_{40}^{96}$Zr+$_{40}^{96}$Zr) collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=$ 200 GeV, and in Au+Au collisions at 27 GeV, recorded by the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The combined dependence of the $v_1$ signal on collision system, particle species, and collision centrality can be qualitatively and semi-quantitatively understood as several effects on constituent quarks. While the results in central events can be explained by the $u$ and $d$ quarks transported from initial-state nuclei, those in peripheral events reveal the impacts of the electromagnetic field on the QGP. Our data put valuable constraints on the electrical conductivity of the QGP in theoretical calculations.
Directed flow of $p$ and $\bar{p}$ vs rapidity in Au+Au 200 GeV 50-80% centrality.
Directed flow of $p$ and $\bar{p}$ vs rapidity in Zr+Zr and Ru+Ru 200 GeV (combined) 50-80% centrality.
Directed flow of $p$ and $\bar{p}$ vs rapidity in Au+Au 27 GeV 50-80% centrality.
Global polarizations ($P$) of $\Lambda$ ($\bar{\Lambda}$) hyperons have been observed in non-central heavy-ion collisions. The strong magnetic field primarily created by the spectator protons in such collisions would split the $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ global polarizations ($\Delta P = P_{\Lambda} - P_{\bar{\Lambda}} < 0$). Additionally, quantum chromodynamics (QCD) predicts topological charge fluctuations in vacuum, resulting in a chirality imbalance or parity violation in a local domain. This would give rise to an imbalance ($\Delta n = \frac{N_{\text{L}} - N_{\text{R}}}{\langle N_{\text{L}} + N_{\text{R}} \rangle} \neq 0$) between left- and right-handed $\Lambda$ ($\bar{\Lambda}$) as well as a charge separation along the magnetic field, referred to as the chiral magnetic effect (CME). This charge separation can be characterized by the parity-even azimuthal correlator ($\Delta\gamma$) and parity-odd azimuthal harmonic observable ($\Delta a_{1}$). Measurements of $\Delta P$, $\Delta\gamma$, and $\Delta a_{1}$ have not led to definitive conclusions concerning the CME or the magnetic field, and $\Delta n$ has not been measured previously. Correlations among these observables may reveal new insights. This paper reports measurements of correlation between $\Delta n$ and $\Delta a_{1}$, which is sensitive to chirality fluctuations, and correlation between $\Delta P$ and $\Delta\gamma$ sensitive to magnetic field in Au+Au collisions at 27 GeV. For both measurements, no correlations have been observed beyond statistical fluctuations.
Figure 1
Figure 2ab
Figure 2c
In relativistic heavy-ion collisions, a global spin polarization, $P_\mathrm{H}$, of $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ hyperons along the direction of the system angular momentum was discovered and measured across a broad range of collision energies and demonstrated a trend of increasing $P_\mathrm{H}$ with decreasing $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$. A splitting between $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ polarization may be possible due to their different magnetic moments in a late-stage magnetic field sustained by the quark-gluon plasma which is formed in the collision. The results presented in this study find no significant splitting at the collision energies of $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=19.6$ and $27$ GeV in the RHIC Beam Energy Scan Phase II using the STAR detector, with an upper limit of $P_{\bar{\Lambda}}-P_{\Lambda}<0.24$% and $P_{\bar{\Lambda}}-P_{\Lambda}<0.35$%, respectively, at a 95% confidence level. We derive an upper limit on the na\"ive extraction of the late-stage magnetic field of $B<9.4\cdot10^{12}$ T and $B<1.4\cdot10^{13}$ T at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=19.6$ and $27$ GeV, respectively, although more thorough derivations are needed. Differential measurements of $P_\mathrm{H}$ were performed with respect to collision centrality, transverse momentum, and rapidity. With our current acceptance of $|y|<1$ and uncertainties, we observe no dependence on transverse momentum and rapidity in this analysis. These results challenge multiple existing model calculations following a variety of different assumptions which have each predicted a strong dependence on rapidity in this collision-energy range.
The first-order event-plane resolution determined by the STAR EPD as a function of collision centrality is roughly doubled in comparison to previous analyses using the STAR BBC. We see $R_{\rm EP}^{(1)}$ peak for mid-central collisions.
The mid-central $P_{\rm H}$ measurements reported in this work are shown alongside previous measurements in the upper panel, and are consistent with previous measurements at the energies studied here. The difference between integrated $P_{\bar{\Lambda}}$ and $P_{\Lambda}$ is shown at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$=19.6 and 27 GeV alongside previous measurements in the lower panel. The splittings observed with these high-statistics data sets are consistent with zero. Statistical uncertainties are represented as lines while systematic uncertainties are represented as boxes. The previous $P_{\bar{\Lambda}}-P_{\Lambda}$ result at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=7.7$ GeV is outside the axis range, but is consistent with zero within $2\sigma$.
$P_{\rm H}$ measurements are shown as a function of collision centrality at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$=19.6 and 27 GeV. Statistical uncertainties are represented as lines while systematic uncertainties are represented as boxes. $P_{\rm H}$ increases with collision centrality at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$=19.6 and 27 GeV, as expected from an angular-momentum-driven phenomenon.
We report a new measurement of the production of electrons from open heavy-flavor hadron decays (HFEs) at mid-rapidity ($|y|<$ 0.7) in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=200$ GeV. Invariant yields of HFEs are measured for the transverse momentum range of $3.5 < p_{\rm T} < 9$ GeV/$c$ in various configurations of the collision geometry. The HFE yields in head-on Au+Au collisions are suppressed by approximately a factor of 2 compared to that in $p$+$p$ collisions scaled by the average number of binary collisions, indicating strong interactions between heavy quarks and the hot and dense medium created in heavy-ion collisions. Comparison of these results with models provides additional tests of theoretical calculations of heavy quark energy loss in the quark-gluon plasma.
Ratios of NPE (non-photonic electron) to PHE (photonic electron) as a function of $p_{\rm T}$ in 0-10% central (yellow circles) and 40-80% peripheral (green squares) Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=200$ GeV. Vertical bars represent statistical uncertainties while boxes represent systematic uncertainties. Horizontal bars indicate the bin width.
Invariant yields of electrons from decays of prompt $J/\psi$ (dot-dashed line), $\Upsilon$ (dotted line), Drell-Yan (long dash-dotted line), light vector mesons (long dashed line) and the combined HDE (hadron decayed electron) contribution (solid line), estimated utilizing experimental measurements, theoretical calculations, and PYTHIA and $\rm E_{VT}G_{EN}$ event generators, in 0-10% central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=200$ GeV. Color bands represent systematic uncertainties.
Invariant yields of electrons from decays of prompt $J/\psi$ (dot-dashed line), $\Upsilon$ (dotted line), Drell-Yan (long dash-dotted line), light vector mesons (long dashed line) and the combined HDE (hadron decayed electron) contribution (solid line), estimated utilizing experimental measurements, theoretical calculations, and PYTHIA and $\rm E_{VT}G_{EN}$ event generators, in 40-80% central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=200$ GeV. Color bands represent systematic uncertainties.
We report a new measurement of $D^0$-meson production at mid-rapidity ($|y|$\,$<$\,1) in Au+Au collisions at ${\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = \rm{200\,GeV}}$ utilizing the Heavy Flavor Tracker, a high resolution silicon detector at the STAR experiment. Invariant yields of $D^0$-mesons with transverse momentum $p_{T}$ $\lesssim 9$\,GeV/$c$ are reported in various centrality bins (0--10\%, 10--20\%, 20--40\%, 40--60\% and 60--80\%). Blast-Wave thermal models are used to fit the $D^0$-meson $p_{T}$ spectra to study $D^0$ hadron kinetic freeze-out properties. The average radial flow velocity extracted from the fit is considerably smaller than that of light hadrons ($\pi,K$ and $p$), but comparable to that of hadrons containing multiple strange quarks ($\phi,\Xi^-$), indicating that $D^0$ mesons kinetically decouple from the system earlier than light hadrons. The calculated $D^0$ nuclear modification factors re-affirm that charm quarks suffer large amount of energy loss in the medium, similar to those of light quarks for $p_{T}$\,$>$\,4\,GeV/$c$ in central 0--10\% Au+Au collisions. At low $p_{T}$, the nuclear modification factors show a characteristic structure qualitatively consistent with the expectation from model predictions that charm quarks gain sizable collective motion during the medium evolution. The improved measurements are expected to offer new constraints to model calculations and help gain further insights into the hot and dense medium created in these collisions.
$D^0$ (in terms of (D0 +D0)/2)) invariant yield at mid-rapidity ($|y| < 1$) vs transverse momentum for different centrality classes. Error bars indicate statistical uncertainties and brackets depict systematic uncertainties. Global systematic uncertainties in B.R. are not plotted. Solid and dashed lines depict Levy function fits.
$D^0$ (in terms of (D0 +D0)/2)) spectra in pp collisions. Note, the $\sigma_{NSD}$ = 30 $m$b for p+p was used in the calculations.
Integrated $D^0$ cross section per nucleon-nucleon collision at mid-rapidity for $p_T >0$ (a) and $p_T >4$ GeV/c (b) as a function of centrality $N_{part}$. The statistical and systematic uncertainties are shown as error bars and brackets on the data points. The green boxes on the data points depict the overall normalization uncertainties in p+p and Au+Au data respectively.
In this erratum we report changes on the $D^0$ $p_T$ spectra and nuclear modification factor ($R_{AA}$) in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\mathrm{NN}}}}$ = 200 GeV by fixing the errors in the efficiency and selection criteria that affected the Au+Au results. The p+p reference spectrum has changed as well and is updated with new fragmentation parameters.
$D^0$ $p_{\rm T}$ differential invariant yield in p+p collisions (open circles), which has been updated with the latest global analysis of charm fragmentation ratios from Ref and also taking into account the $p_{\rm T}$ dependence of the fragmentation ratio between $D^0$ and $D^{*{\pm}}$ from PYTHIA 6.4. The systematic uncertainties are shown as square brackets.
Centrality dependence of the $D^0$ $p_{\rm T}$ differential invariant yield in Au+Au collisions (solid symbols). The curves are number-of-binary-collision-scaled Levy functions from fitting to the p+p result (open circles), which has been updated with the latest global analysis of charm fragmentation ratios from Ref and also taking into account the $p_{\rm T}$ dependence of the fragmentation ratio between $D^0$ and $D^{*{\pm}}$ from PYTHIA 6.4. The arrow denotes the upper limit with 90% confidence level of the last data point for 10$-$40% collisions. The systematic uncertainties are shown as square brackets.
Panels (ab), $D^0$ $R_{\rm AA}$ for peripheral 40$-$80% and semi a central 10$-$40% collisions; Panel (c), $D^0$ $R_{\rm AA}$ for 0$-$10% most central events (blue circles) compared with model calculations from the TAMU (solid curve), SUBATECH (dashed curve), Torino (dot-dashed curve), Duke (long-dashed and long-dot-dashed curves), and LANL groups (filled band). The open symbol indicates the result with the extrapolated p+p reference. The vertical lines and brackets around the data points denote the statistical and systematic uncertainties respectively. The vertical bars around unity denote the overall normalization uncertainties in the Au+Au and p+p data, respectively. The $R_{\rm AA}$ probability distribution for the 0$-$0.7 GeV/$c$ data point is largely skewed. The uncertainty we report is the 68.3% probability range with respect to the measured central value assuming Gaussian distribution.
The elliptic ($v_2$) and triangular ($v_3$) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central $^{3}$He+Au, $d$+Au, and $p$+Au collisions at $\mbox{$\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}$}$ = 200 GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum ($p_{\mathrm{T}}$) at mid-rapidity ($|\eta|<$0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at $|\eta|<$0.9. While the $v_2(p_{\mathrm{T}})$ values depend on the colliding systems, the $v_3(p_{\mathrm{T}})$ values are system-independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from sub-nucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.
v2 and v3 in 0-10% He+Au collisions at 200 GeV
v2 and v3 in 0-10% d+Au collisions at 200 GeV
v2 and v3 in UC p+Au collisions at 200 GeV
We report on measurements of sequential $\Upsilon$ suppression in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_\mathrm{NN}}}$ = 200 GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors ($R_{\mathrm{AA}}$), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to $p$+$p$ collisions, for $\Upsilon$(1S) and $\Upsilon$(2S) are $0.40 \pm 0.03~\textrm{(stat.)} \pm 0.03~\textrm{(sys.)} \pm 0.09~\textrm{(norm.)}$ and $0.26 \pm 0.08~\textrm{(stat.)} \pm 0.02~\textrm{(sys.)} \pm 0.06~\textrm{(norm.)}$, respectively, while the upper limit of the $\Upsilon$(3S) $R_{\mathrm{AA}}$ is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the $\Upsilon$(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the $\Upsilon$(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for $\Upsilon$(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited $\Upsilon$ states.
Inclusive Y(1S) $R_{AA}$ as a function of centrality in Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV. The bin corresponding to $N_{part}$ = 162 is for 0-60% centrality. Global uncertainty of 20.0% not shown.
Inclusive Y(1S) $R_{AA}$ as a function of centrality in Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV. The bin corresponding to $N_{part}$ = 162 is for 0-60% centrality. Global uncertainty of 20.0% not shown.
Inclusive Y(2S) $R_{AA}$ as a function of centrality in Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV. The bin corresponding to $N_{part}$ = 162 is for 0-60% centrality. Global uncertainty of 20.5% not shown.
We present results on strange and multi-strange particle production in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=62.4$ GeV as measured with the STAR detector at RHIC. Mid-rapidity transverse momentum spectra and integrated yields of $K^{0}_{S}$, $\Lambda$, $\Xi$, $\Omega$ and their anti-particles are presented for different centrality classes. The particle yields and ratios follow a smooth energy dependence. Chemical freeze-out parameters, temperature, baryon chemical potential and strangeness saturation factor obtained from the particle yields are presented. Intermediate transverse momentum ($p_T$) phenomena are discussed based on the ratio of the measured baryon-to-meson spectra and nuclear modification factor. The centrality dependence of various measurements presented show a similar behavior as seen in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV.
Correction factors (acceptance × efficiency) for the most central events ( 0−5% for KS0, Λ and Ξ; 0−20% for Ω) at mid-rapidity (|y| < 1) as a function of pT for the different particle species as obtained via embedding. The branching ratio of the measured decay channel is not factored into this plot.
Correction factors (acceptance × efficiency) for the most central events ( 0−5% for KS0, Λ and Ξ; 0−20% for Ω) at mid-rapidity (|y| < 1) as a function of pT for the different particle species as obtained via embedding. The branching ratio of the measured decay channel is not factored into this plot.
Efficiency corrected pT spectra for the different centrality bins and for the various particles. Note that 7 centrality bins have been used for the KS0 and the Λ while only 6 and 3 have been used for the Ξ and Ω, respectively. Errors are statistical only. The Λ spectra are corrected for the feed-down of the Ξ decay.
We report the measurement of $K^{*0}$ meson at midrapidity ($|y|<$ 1.0) in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$~=~7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27 and 39 GeV collected by the STAR experiment during the RHIC beam energy scan (BES) program. The transverse momentum spectra, yield, and average transverse momentum of $K^{*0}$ are presented as functions of collision centrality and beam energy. The $K^{*0}/K$ yield ratios are presented for different collision centrality intervals and beam energies. The $K^{*0}/K$ ratio in heavy-ion collisions are observed to be smaller than that in small system collisions (e+e and p+p). The $K^{*0}/K$ ratio follows a similar centrality dependence to that observed in previous RHIC and LHC measurements. The data favor the scenario of the dominance of hadronic re-scattering over regeneration for $K^{*0}$ production in the hadronic phase of the medium.
$p_{\mathrm T}$-differential yield of $\mathrm{K^{*0}} + \bar{\mathrm{K^{*0}}}$ in AuAu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}~=~$7.7 GeV (Multiplicity class 0-20%).
$p_{\mathrm T}$-differential yield of $\mathrm{K^{*0}} + \bar{\mathrm{K^{*0}}}$ in AuAu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}~=~$7.7 GeV (Multiplicity class 20-40%).
$p_{\mathrm T}$-differential yield of $\mathrm{K^{*0}} + \bar{\mathrm{K^{*0}}}$ in AuAu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}~=~$7.7 GeV (Multiplicity class 40-60%).
We report a measurement of cumulants and correlation functions of event-by-event proton multiplicity distributions from fixed-target Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 3 GeV measured by the STAR experiment. Protons are identified within the rapidity ($y$) and transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) region $-0.9 < y<0$ and $0.4 < p_{\rm T} <2.0 $ GeV/$c$ in the center-of-mass frame. A systematic analysis of the proton cumulants and correlation functions up to sixth-order as well as the corresponding ratios as a function of the collision centrality, $p_{\rm T}$, and $y$ are presented. The effect of pileup and initial volume fluctuations on these observables and the respective corrections are discussed in detail. The results are compared to calculations from the hadronic transport UrQMD model as well as a hydrodynamic model. In the most central 5% collisions, the value of proton cumulant ratio $C_4/C_2$ is negative, drastically different from the values observed in Au+Au collisions at higher energies. Compared to model calculations including Lattice QCD, a hadronic transport model, and a hydrodynamic model, the strong suppression in the ratio of $C_4/C_2$ at 3 GeV Au+Au collisions indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions.
The uncorrected number of charged particles except protons ($N_{\rm ch}$) within the pseudorapidity $−2<\eta<0$ used for the centrality selection for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 3 GeV. The centrality classes are expressed in % of the total cross section. The lower boundary of the particle multiplicity ($N_{\rm ch}$) is included for each centrality class. Values are provided for the average number of participants ($\langle N_{\rm part}\rangle$) and pileup fraction. The fraction of pileup for each centrality bin is also shown in the last column. The averaged pileup fraction from the minimum biased collisions is determined to be 0.46%. Values in the parentheses are systematic uncertainty.
The centrality definition determined by $N_{\rm part}$ in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 3 GeV from the UrQMD model. The centrality definition is only used in the UrQMD calculation.
Main contributors to systematic uncertainty to the proton cumulant ratios: $C_2/C_1$, $C_3/C_2$,and $C_4/C_2$ from 0–5% central 3 GeV Au+Au collisions. The first row shows the values and statistical uncertainties of those ratios. The corresponding values of these ratios along with the statistical uncertainties are listed in the table. The final total value is the quadratic sum of uncertainties from centrality, pileup, and the dominant contribution from TPC hits, DCA, TOF $m^2$, and detector efficiency. Clearly, this analysis is systematically dominant.
Azimuthal anisotropy of produced particles is one of the most important observables used to access the collective properties of the expanding medium created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. In this paper, we present second ($v_{2}$) and third ($v_{3}$) order azimuthal anisotropies of $K_{S}^{0}$, $\phi$, $\Lambda$, $\Xi$ and $\Omega$ at mid-rapidity ($|y|<$1) in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\text{NN}}}$ = 54.4 GeV measured by the STAR detector. The $v_{2}$ and $v_{3}$ are measured as a function of transverse momentum and centrality. Their energy dependence is also studied. $v_{3}$ is found to be more sensitive to the change in the center-of-mass energy than $v_{2}$. Scaling by constituent quark number is found to hold for $v_{2}$ within 10%. This observation could be evidence for the development of partonic collectivity in 54.4 GeV Au+Au collisions. Differences in $v_{2}$ and $v_{3}$ between baryons and anti-baryons are presented, and ratios of $v_{3}$/$v_{2}^{3/2}$ are studied and motivated by hydrodynamical calculations. The ratio of $v_{2}$ of $\phi$ mesons to that of anti-protons ($v_{2}(\phi)/v_{2}(\bar{p})$) shows centrality dependence at low transverse momentum, presumably resulting from the larger effects from hadronic interactions on anti-proton $v_{2}$.
$v_{2}(p_{T})$ for $K_{S}^{0}$ (Centrality:0-10%)
$v_{2}(p_{T})$ for $K_{S}^{0}$ (Centrality:10-40%)
$v_{2}(p_{T})$ for $K_{S}^{0}$ (Centrality:40-80%)
We present the first measurements of transverse momentum spectra of $\pi^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, $p(\bar{p})$ at midrapidity ($|y| < 0.1$) in U+U collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 193 GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The centrality dependence of particle yields, average transverse momenta, particle ratios and kinetic freeze-out parameters are discussed. The results are compared with the published results from Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} =$ 200 GeV in STAR. The results are also compared to those from A Multi Phase Transport (AMPT) model.
'Identified transverse momentum spectra of $\pi^{+}$ at midrapidity (|y| < 0.1) in U+U collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 193 GeV'
'Identified transverse momentum spectra of $K^{+}$ at midrapidity (|y| < 0.1) in U+U collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 193 GeV'
'Identified transverse momentum spectra of p at midrapidity (|y| < 0.1) in U+U collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 193 GeV'
The Beam Energy Scan (BES) program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) was extended to energies below $\sqrt{\textit{s}_{NN}}$ = 7.7 GeV in 2015 by successful implementation of the fixed-target mode of operation in the STAR (Solenoidal Track At RHIC) experiment. In the fixed-target mode, ions circulate in one ring of the collider and interact with a stationary target at the entrance of the STAR Time Projection Chamber. The first results for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{\textit{s}_{NN}}$ = 4.5 GeV are presented, including directed and elliptic flow of identified hadrons, and radii from pion femtoscopy. The proton flow and pion femtoscopy results agree quantitatively with earlier measurements by Alternating Gradient Synchrotron experiments at similar energies. This validates running the STAR experiment in the fixed-target configuration. Pion directed and elliptic flow are presented for the first time at this beam energy. Pion and proton elliptic flow show behavior which hints at constituent quark scaling, but large error bars preclude reliable conclusions. The ongoing second phase of BES (BES-II) will provide fixed-target data sets with 100 times more events at each of several energies down to $\sqrt{\textit{s}_{NN}}$ = 3.0 GeV.
Centrality selection for STAR FXT sqrt(sNN) = 4.5 GeV Au+Au collisions
Rapidity dependence of directed flow, v1(y), for protons with transverse momentum 0.4 < pT < 2.0 GeV/c from events with 10-25% centrality.
Rapidity dependence of directed flow, v1(y), for negative pions with transverse momentum pT > 0.2 GeV/c and total momentum magnitude |p| < 1.6 GeV/c from events within 10-30% centrality. Here, the BBC-based Event Plane method is used. Plotted error bars are statistical only, and systematic errors are of comparable size.
Partons traversing the strongly interacting medium produced in heavy-ion collisions are expected to lose energy depending on their color charge and mass. We measure the nuclear modification factors for charm- and bottom-decay electrons, defined as the ratio of yields, scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, in $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions to $p$+$p$ collisions ($R_{\rm AA}$), or in central to peripheral Au+Au collisions ($R_{\rm CP}$). We find the bottom-decay electron $R_{\rm AA}$ and $R_{\rm CP}$ to be significantly higher than that of charm-decay electrons. Model calculations including mass-dependent parton energy loss in a strongly coupled medium are consistent with the measured data. These observations provide clear evidence of mass ordering of charm and bottom quark energy loss when traversing through the strongly coupled medium created in heavy-ion collisions.
Fit to the $\rm log_{10}(DCA/cm)$ of candidate electrons with $p_{\rm T}$ $\in$ [3.5,4.5] GeV/$c$ in 0-80% Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=200$ GeV, where the DCA is defined as the 3D distance-of-closest approach of the track to the primary vertex. The solid blue line shows the full template fit, and the various other lines show the individual components. The bottom panel shows the residual distribution of the template fit scaled by the statistical uncertainties.
Invariant yield of the electrons from decays of prompt $J/\psi$, $\Upsilon$, Drell-Yan and light vector mesons in 0-80% Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
Invariant yield of heavy flavor hadron decayed electrons in 0-80% Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
Notwithstanding decades of progress since Yukawa first developed a description of the force between nucleons in terms of meson exchange, a full understanding of the strong interaction remains a major challenge in modern science. One remaining difficulty arises from the non-perturbative nature of the strong force, which leads to the phenomenon of quark confinement at distances on the order of the size of the proton. Here we show that in relativistic heavy-ion collisions, where quarks and gluons are set free over an extended volume, two species of produced vector (spin-1) mesons, namely $\phi$ and $K^{*0}$, emerge with a surprising pattern of global spin alignment. In particular, the global spin alignment for $\phi$ is unexpectedly large, while that for $K^{*0}$ is consistent with zero. The observed spin-alignment pattern and magnitude for the $\phi$ cannot be explained by conventional mechanisms, while a model with a connection to strong force fields, i.e. an effective proxy description within the Standard Model and Quantum Chromodynamics, accommodates the current data. This connection, if fully established, will open a potential new avenue for studying the behaviour of strong force fields.
Global spin alignment of $\phi$ and $K^{*0}$ vector mesons in heavy-ion collisions. The measured matrix element $\rho_{00}$ as a function of beam energy for the $\phi$ and $K^{*0}$ vector mesons within the indicated windows of centrality, transverse momentum ($p_T$) and rapidity ($y$). The open symbols indicate ALICE results for Pb+Pb collisions at 2.76 TeV at $p_{T}$ values of 2.0 and 1.4 GeV/c for the $\phi$ and $K^{*0}$ mesons, respectively, corresponding to the $p_{T}$ bin nearest to the mean $p_{T}$ for the 1.0 – 5.0 GeV/$c$ range assumed for each meson in the present analysis. The red solid curve is a fit to data in the range of $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 19.6$ to 200 GeV, based on a theoretical calculation with a $\phi$-meson field. Parameter sensitivity of $\rho_{00}$ to the $\phi$-meson field is shown in Ref.5. The red dashed line is an extension of the solid curve with the fitted parameter $G_s^{(y)}$. The black dashed line represents $\rho_{00}=1/3.$
Global spin alignment of $\phi$ and $K^{*0}$ vector mesons in heavy-ion collisions. The measured matrix element $\rho_{00}$ as a function of beam energy for the $\phi$ and $K^{*0}$ vector mesons within the indicated windows of centrality, transverse momentum ($p_T$) and rapidity ($y$). The open symbols indicate ALICE results for Pb+Pb collisions at 2.76 TeV at $p_{T}$ values of 2.0 and 1.4 GeV/c for the $\phi$ and $K^{*0}$ mesons, respectively, corresponding to the $p_{T}$ bin nearest to the mean $p_{T}$ for the 1.0 – 5.0 GeV/$c$ range assumed for each meson in the present analysis. The red solid curve is a fit to data in the range of $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 19.6$ to 200 GeV, based on a theoretical calculation with a $\phi$-meson field. Parameter sensitivity of $\rho_{00}$ to the $\phi$-meson field is shown in Ref.5. The red dashed line is an extension of the solid curve with the fitted parameter $G_s^{(y)}$. The black dashed line represents $\rho_{00}=1/3.$
Example of combinatorial background subtracted invariant mass distributions and the extracted yields as a function of $\cos \theta^*$ for $\phi$ and $K^{*0}$ mesons. \textbf{a)} example of $\phi \rightarrow K^+ + K^-$ invariant mass distributions, with combinatorial background subtracted, integrated over $\cos \theta^*$; \textbf{b)} example of $K^{*0} (\overline{K^{*0}}) \rightarrow K^{-} \pi^{+} (K^{+} \pi^{-})$ invariant mass distributions, with combinatorial background subtracted, integrated over $\cos \theta^*$; \textbf{c)} extracted yields of $\phi$ as a function of $\cos \theta^*$; \textbf{d)} extracted yields of $K^{*0}$ as a function of $\cos \theta^*$.
Non-monotonic variation with collision energy ($\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$) of the moments of the net-baryon number distribution in heavy-ion collisions, related to the correlation length and the susceptibilities of the system, is suggested as a signature for the Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) critical point. We report the first evidence of a non-monotonic variation in kurtosis times variance of the net-proton number (proxy for net-baryon number) distribution as a function of \rootsnn with 3.1$\sigma$ significance, for head-on (central) gold-on-gold (Au+Au) collisions measured using the STAR detector at RHIC. Data in non-central Au+Au collisions and models of heavy-ion collisions without a critical point show a monotonic variation as a function of $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$.
Event-by-event net-proton multiplicity distributions for central (0-5$\%$) Au+Au collisions from $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 7.7 - 200 GeV. The distributions are normalised to total number of events. The distributions are not corrected for proton and antiproton detection efficiency.
Cumulants of net-proton distributions in Au+Au collisions for nine energies from $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 7.7 - 200 GeV for 0-5$\%$ and 70-80$\%$ centrality.
Cumulant ratios C3/C2 and C4/C2 of net-proton distributions in Au+Au collisions for eight energies from $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 7.7 - 62.4 GeV for 0-5$\%$ centrality. Also given are the derivative of the polynomial fits to the C3/C2 and C4/C2 vs energy at each energy and the Skellam baselines for the ratios.
The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of the transverse single-spin asymmetries, $A_N$, for inclusive jets and identified `hadrons within jets' production at midrapidity from transversely polarized $pp$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV, based on data recorded in 2012 and 2015. The inclusive jet asymmetry measurements include $A_N$ for inclusive jets and $A_N$ for jets containing a charged pion carrying a momentum fraction $z>0.3$ of the jet momentum. The identified hadron within jet asymmetry measurements include the Collins effect for charged pions, kaons and protons, and the Collins-like effect for charged pions. The measured asymmetries are determined for several distinct kinematic regions, characterized by the jet transverse momentum $p_{T}$ and pseudorapidity $\eta$, as well as the hadron momentum fraction $z$ and momentum transverse to the jet axis $j_{T}$. These results probe higher momentum scales ($Q^{2}$ up to $\sim$ 900 GeV$^{2}$) than current, semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering measurements, and they provide new constraints on quark transversity in the proton and enable tests of evolution, universality and factorization breaking in the transverse-momentum-dependent formalism.
Distribution of the normalized jet yield as a function of detector jet-$p_{T}$ in 2015 data and simulation. The lower panel shows the ratio between data and simulation.
Comparison of data with simulation for charged hadrons within jets in the 2015 data as a function of the hadron longitudinal momentum fraction, $z$, in two different ranges of jet-$p_{T}$.
Comparison of data with simulation for charged hadrons within jets in the 2015 data as a function of the hadron momentum transverse to the jet axis, $j_{T}$, in two different ranges of jet-$p_{T}$.
Quark interactions with topological gluon configurations can induce local chirality imbalance and parity violation in quantum chromodynamics, which can lead to the chiral magnetic effect (CME) -- an electric charge separation along the strong magnetic field in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The CME-sensitive azimuthal correlator observable ($\Delta\gamma$) is contaminated by background arising, in part, from resonance decays coupled with elliptic anisotropy ($v_{2}$). We report here differential measurements of the correlator as a function of the pair invariant mass ($m_{\rm inv}$) in 20-50% centrality Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}}$= 200 GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. Strong resonance background contributions to $\Delta\gamma$ are observed. At large $m_{\rm inv}$ where this background is significantly reduced, the $\Delta\gamma$ value is found to be significantly smaller. An event-shape-engineering technique is deployed to determine the $v_{2}$ background shape as a function of $m_{\rm inv}$. We extract a $v_2$-independent and $m_{\rm inv}$-averaged signal $\Delta\gamma_{\rm sig}$ = (0.03 $\pm$ 0.06 $\pm$ 0.08) $\times10^{-4}$, or $(2\pm4\pm5)\%$ of the inclusive $\Delta\gamma(m_{\rm inv}>0.4$ GeV/$c^2$)$ =(1.58 \pm 0.02 \pm 0.02) \times10^{-4}$, within pion $p_{T}$ = 0.2 - 0.8~\gevc and averaged over pseudorapidity ranges of $-1 < \eta < -0.05$ and $0.05 < \eta < 1$. This represents an upper limit of $0.23\times10^{-4}$, or $15\%$ of the inclusive result, at $95\%$ confidence level for the $m_{\rm inv}$-integrated CME contribution.
The $m_{\rm inv}$ dependences of the OS and SS pion pair multiplicities in 20-50$\%$ Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV.
The $m_{\rm inv}$ dependences of the $\gamma_{OS}$, $\gamma_{SS}$ in 20-50$\%$ Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV.
$m_{\rm inv}$ dependences of the relative excess of OS over SS pion pairs in 20-50$\%$ Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV.
We present the first inclusive measurements of the invariant and SoftDrop jet mass in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=200$ GeV at STAR. The measurements are fully corrected for detector effects, and reported differentially in both the jet transverse momentum and jet radius parameter. We compare the measurements to established leading-order Monte Carlo event generators and find that STAR-tuned PYTHIA-6 reproduces the data, while LHC tunes of PYTHIA-8 and HERWIG-7 do not agree with the data, providing further constraints on parameter tuning. Finally, we observe that SoftDrop grooming, for which the contribution of wide-angle non-perturbative radiation is suppressed, shifts the jet mass distributions into closer agreement with the partonic jet mass as determined by both PYTHIA-8 and a next-to-leading-logarithmic accuracy perturbative QCD calculation. These measurements complement recent LHC measurements in a different kinematic region, as well as establish a baseline for future jet mass measurements in heavy-ion collisions at RHIC.
The uncorrected jet mass distribution for $R = 0.4$ anti-$k_{\rm{T}}$ jets with $20 < p_{\rm{T,jet}} < 25$ GeV$/c$.
The uncorrected jet mass distribution for $R = 0.4$ anti-$k_{\rm{T}}$ jets with $20 < p_{\rm{T,jet}} < 25$ GeV$/c$. Updated to correct a small bug that had shifted the jet mass to slightly smaller values.
The uncorrected SoftDrop groomed jet mass distribution for $R = 0.4$ anti-$k_{\rm{T}}$ jets with $20 < p_{\rm{T,jet}} < 25$ GeV$/c$.
Two-particle correlation measurements projected onto two-dimensional, transverse rapidity coordinates ($y_{T1},y_{T2}$), allow access to dynamical properties of the QCD medium produced in relativistic heavy-ion collisions that angular correlation measurements are not sensitive to. We report non-identified charged-particle correlations for Au + Au minimum-bias collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 200 GeV taken by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC). Correlations are presented as 2D functions of transverse rapidity for like-sign, unlike-sign and all charged-particle pairs, as well as for particle pairs whose relative azimuthal angles lie on the near-side, the away-side, or at all relative azimuth. The correlations are constructed using charged particles with transverse momentum $p_T \geq 0.15$ GeV/$c$, pseudorapidity from $-$1 to 1, and azimuthal angles from $-\pi$ to $\pi$. The significant correlation structures that are observed evolve smoothly with collision centrality. The major correlation features include a saddle shape plus a broad peak with maximum near $y_T \approx 3$, corresponding to $p_T \approx$ 1.5 GeV/$c$. The broad peak is observed in both like- and unlike-sign charge combinations and in near- and away-side relative azimuthal angles. The all-charge, all-azimuth correlation measurements are compared with the theoretical predictions of {\sc hijing} and {\sc epos}. The results indicate that the correlations for peripheral to mid-central collisions can be approximately described as a superposition of nucleon + nucleon collisions with minimal effects from the QCD medium. Strong medium effects are indicated in mid- to most-central collisions.
Two-dimensional correlations of charged-hadrons, all-CI, projected onto (y_t1, y_t2), in centrality bin 84-93%.
Two-dimensional correlations of charged-hadrons, all-CI, projected onto (y_t1, y_t2), in centrality bin 74-84%.
Two-dimensional correlations of charged-hadrons, all-CI, projected onto (y_t1, y_t2), in centrality bin 64-74%.
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