We present measurements of elliptic flow ($v_2$) of electrons from the decays of heavy-flavor hadrons ($e_{HF}$) by the STAR experiment. For Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = $ 200 GeV we report $v_2$, for transverse momentum ($p_T$) between 0.2 and 7 GeV/c using three methods: the event plane method ($v_{2}${EP}), two-particle correlations ($v_2${2}), and four-particle correlations ($v_2${4}). For Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 62.4 and 39 GeV we report $v_2${2} for $p_T< 2$ GeV/c. $v_2${2} and $v_2${4} are non-zero at low and intermediate $p_T$ at 200 GeV, and $v_2${2} is consistent with zero at low $p_T$ at other energies. The $v_2${2} at the two lower beam energies is systematically lower than at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = $ 200 GeV for $p_T < 1$ GeV/c. This difference may suggest that charm quarks interact less strongly with the surrounding nuclear matter at those two lower energies compared to $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 200$ GeV.
Signal-to-background (S/B) ratio as a function of transverse momentum, Au+Au 200 GeV, 0-60% central events with minimum bias trigger
Signal-to-background (S/B) ratio as a function of transverse momentum, Au+Au 200 GeV, 0-60% central events with with High Tower (high pT) trigger
Signal-to-background (S/B) ratio as a function of transverse momentum, Au+Au 39 GeV, 0-60% central events with minimum bias trigger
Jet-medium interactions are studied via a multi-hadron correlation technique (called "2+1"), where a pair of back-to-back hadron triggers with large transverse momentum is used as a proxy for a di-jet. This work extends the previous analysis for nearly-symmetric trigger pairs with the highest momentum threshold of trigger hadron of 5 GeV/$c$ with the new calorimeter-based triggers with energy thresholds of up to 10 GeV and above. The distributions of associated hadrons are studied in terms of correlation shapes and per-trigger yields on each trigger side. In contrast with di-hadron correlation results with single triggers, the associated hadron distributions for back-to-back triggers from central Au+Au data at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 GeV show no strong modifications compared to d+Au data at the same energy. An imbalance in the total transverse momentum between hadrons attributed to the near-side and away-side of jet-like peaks is observed. The relative imbalance in the Au+Au measurement with respect to d+Au reference is found to increase with the asymmetry of the trigger pair, consistent with expectation from medium-induced energy loss effects. In addition, this relative total transverse momentum imbalance is found to decrease for softer associated hadrons. Such evolution indicates the energy missing at higher associated momenta is converted into softer hadrons.
Projections of 2-D correlation functions on $\Delta \phi$ (a) (with $|\Delta \eta|$ < 1.0) and $\Delta \eta$ (b) (with $|\Delta \phi|$ < 0.7) for the hadrons associated with their respective triggers (T1 for near-side, T2 for away–side) are shown for d+Au (circles) and central 0-20% Au+Au (squares).
Projections of 2-D correlation functions on $\Delta \phi$ (a) (with $|\Delta \eta|$ < 1.0) and $\Delta \eta$ (b) (with $|\Delta \phi|$ < 0.7) for the hadrons associated with their respective triggers (T1 for near-side, T2 for away–side) are shown for d+Au (circles) and central 0-20% Au+Au (squares).
Projections of 2-D correlation functions on $\Delta \phi$ (a) (with $|\Delta \eta|$ < 1.0) and $\Delta \eta$ (b) (with $|\Delta \phi|$ < 0.7) for the hadrons associated with their respective triggers (T1 for near-side, T2 for away–side) are shown for d+Au (circles) and central 0-20% Au+Au (squares).
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 ratio of 10-20%HeAu/0-10%dAu and UC pAu/0-10%dAu
v3 ratio of 10-20%HeAu/0-10%dAu and UC pAu/0-10%dAu
Event-by-event fluctuations of the ratio of inclusive charged to photon multiplicities at forward rapidity in Au+Au collision at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 GeV have been studied. Dominant contribution to such fluctuations is expected to come from correlated production of charged and neutral pions. We search for evidences of dynamical fluctuations of different physical origins. Observables constructed out of moments of multiplicities are used as measures of fluctuations. Mixed events and model calculations are used as baselines. Results are compared to the dynamical net-charge fluctuations measured in the same acceptance. A non-zero statistically significant signal of dynamical fluctuations is observed in excess to the model prediction when charged particles and photons are measured in the same acceptance. We find that, unlike dynamical net-charge fluctuation, charge-neutral fluctuation is not dominated by correlation due to particle decay. Results are compared to the expectations based on the generic production mechanism of pions due to isospin symmetry, for which no significant (<1%) deviation is observed.
Multiplicity distributions of raw charged particles and photons.
The $v_{dyn}$ and the three terms of $v_{dyn}$ vs $\sqrt{\langle N_{ch}\rangle \langle N_{\gamma}\rangle }$ for real events. $\omega_{ch}^{real}$ is plotted.
The $v_{dyn}$ and the three terms of $v_{dyn}$ vs $\sqrt{\langle N_{ch}\rangle \langle N_{\gamma}\rangle }$ for mixed events. $\omega_{ch}^{mixed}$ is plotted.
We report new results on identified (anti)proton and charged pion spectra at large transverse momenta (3<$p_{T}$<10 GeV/c) from Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 GeV using the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). This study explores the system size dependence of two novel features observed at RHIC with heavy ions: the hadron suppression at high-$p_{T}$ and the anomalous baryon to meson enhancement at intermediate transverse momenta. Both phenomena could be attributed to the creation of a new form of QCD matter. The results presented here bridge the system size gap between the available pp and Au+Au data, and allow the detailed exploration for the on-set of the novel features. Comparative analysis of all available 200 GeV data indicates that the system size is a major factor determining both the magnitude of the hadron spectra suppression at large transverse momenta and the relative baryon to meson enhancement.
Anti-particle to particle ratios, as a function of transverse momentum for pions (a) and protons (b). Data for the four centrality classes show little centrality dependence. Errors are statistical only.
Anti-particle to particle ratios, as a function of transverse momentum for pions (a) and protons (b). Data for the four centrality classes show little centrality dependence. Errors are statistical only.
(Color online) (a) Nuclear modification factor, RAA, for charged pions ($\pi^{+}+\pi^{−}$) in Cu+Cu (filled symbols) and Au+Au (open symbols) collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$=200 GeV. Error bands are shown for most peripheral and most central Cu+Cu data to represent evolution of the systematic uncertainties for this dataset. Error boxes at $R_{AA}$=1 represent Cu+Cu scale uncertainties due to the number of collisions and from $pp$ spectra normalization.
A data-driven method was applied to measurements of Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}} =$ 200 GeV made with the STAR detector at RHIC to isolate pseudorapidity distance $\Delta\eta$-dependent and $\Delta\eta$-independent correlations by using two- and four-particle azimuthal cumulant measurements. We identified a component of the correlation that is $\Delta\eta$-independent, which is likely dominated by anisotropic flow and flow fluctuations. It was also found to be independent of $\eta$ within the measured range of pseudorapidity $|\eta|<1$. The relative flow fluctuation was found to be $34\% \pm 2\% (stat.) \pm 3\% (sys.)$ for particles of transverse momentum $p_{T}$ less than $2$ GeV/$c$. The $\Delta\eta$-dependent part may be attributed to nonflow correlations, and is found to be $5\% \pm 2\% (sys.)$ relative to the flow of the measured second harmonic cumulant at $|\Delta\eta| > 0.7$.
The second harmonic two-particle cumulants for ($\eta_{\alpha}$, $\eta_{\beta}$ pairs for 20-30% central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
The $V_2${2} and difference between the pairs at ($\eta_{\alpha}$, $\eta_{\beta}$) and ($\eta_{\alpha}$, -$\eta_{\beta}$). The data are from 20-30% central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
The $V_2${2} and difference between the pairs at ($\eta_{\alpha}$, $\eta_{\beta}$) and ($\eta_{\alpha}$, -$\eta_{\beta}$). The data are from 20-30% central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
We report the beam energy (\sqrt s_{NN} = 7.7 - 200 GeV) and collision centrality dependence of the mean (M), standard deviation (\sigma), skewness (S), and kurtosis (\kappa) of the net-proton multiplicity distributions in Au+Au collisions. The measurements are carried out by the STAR experiment at midrapidity (|y| < 0.5) and within the transverse momentum range 0.4 < pT < 0.8 GeV/c in the first phase of the Beam Energy Scan program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. These measurements are important for understanding the Quantum Chromodynamic (QCD) phase diagram. The products of the moments, S\sigma and \kappa\sigma^{2}, are sensitive to the correlation length of the hot and dense medium created in the collisions and are related to the ratios of baryon number susceptibilities of corresponding orders. The products of moments are found to have values significantly below the Skellam expectation and close to expectations based on independent proton and anti-proton production. The measurements are compared to a transport model calculation to understand the effect of acceptance and baryon number conservation, and also to a hadron resonance gas model.
$\Delta N_p$ multiplicity distributions in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{S_{NN}}=7.7$ GeV for 0-5 percent, 30-40 percent and 70-80 percent collision centralities at midrapidity.
$\Delta N_p$ multiplicity distributions in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{S_{NN}}=11.5$ GeV for 0-5 percent, 30-40 percent and 70-80 percent collision centralities at midrapidity.
$\Delta N_p$ multiplicity distributions in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{S_{NN}}=19.6$ GeV for 0-5 percent, 30-40 percent and 70-80 percent collision centralities at midrapidity.
Previous experimental results based on data (15 million events) collected by the STAR detector at RHIC suggest event-by-event charge separation fluctuations perpendicular to the event plane in non-central heavy-ion collisions. Here we present the correlator previously used split into its two component parts to reveal correlations parallel and perpendicular to the event plane. The results are from a high statistics 200 GeV Au+Au collisions data set (57 million events) collected by the STAR experiment. We explicitly count units of charge separation from which we find clear evidence for more charge separation fluctuations perpendicular than parallel to the event plane. We also employ a modified correlator to study the possible P-even background in same and opposite charge correlations, and find that the P-even background may largely be explained by momentum conservation and collective motion.
(Color online) $\Delta RMS^{\Delta Q}/\langle RMS^{\Delta Q}\rangle$ versus centrality for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$= 200 GeV. Not corrected for event plane resolution. Errors are statistical only.
(Color online) $\langle sin(\phi_{\alpha} − \Psi_{1})\rangle$ for positive and negative charges versus centrality for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$= 200 GeV. Shaded area represents the systematic uncertainty for both charge types obtained by comparing correlations from positive and negative pseudorapidity.
(Color online) Three-point correlator, Eq. 1, measured with $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ harmonic event planes versus centrality for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$= 200 GeV. Shown with crosses are our previous results from the 2004 RHIC run (Y4) [9, 10]. The Y4 run used a second harmonic event plane. Y4 and Y7 $\Psi_{2}$ results are consistent within statistical errors. Shaded areas for the $2^{nd}$ harmonic points represent the systematic uncertainty of the event plane determination. Systematic uncertainties for the $1^{st}$ harmonic points are negligible compared to the statistical ones shown.
We present a study of the average transverse momentum ($p_t$) fluctuations and $p_t$ correlations for charged particles produced in Cu+Cu collisions at midrapidity for $\sqrt{s_{NN}} =$ 62.4 and 200 GeV. These results are compared with those published for Au+Au collisions at the same energies, to explore the system size dependence. In addition to the collision energy and system size dependence, the $p_t$ correlation results have been studied as functions of the collision centralities, the ranges in $p_t$, the pseudorapidity $\eta$, and the azimuthal angle $\phi$. The square root of the measured $p_t$ correlations when scaled by mean $p_t$ is found to be independent of both colliding beam energy and system size studied. Transport-based model calculations are found to have a better quantitative agreement with the measurements compared to models which incorporate only jetlike correlations.
Event-by-event $\langle p_{t}\rangle$ distributions for data and mixed events in central Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 and 62.4 GeV.
Comparison of dynamical $\langle p_{t}\rangle$ fluctuations in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62.4 and 200 GeV as a function of the number of participanting nucleons.
Comparison of dynamical $\langle p_{t}\rangle$ fluctuations in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62.4 and 200 GeV as a function of the number of participanting nucleons.
We report on the first measurement of elliptic flow $v_2(p_T)$ of multi-strange baryons $\Xi+\bar{Xi}$ and $\Omega+\bar{Omega} in heavy-ion collisions. In minimum bias Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN) = 200 GeV, a significant amount of elliptic flow, comparable to other non-strange baryons, is observed for multi-strange baryons which are expected to be particularly sensitive to the dynamics of the partonic stage of heavy-ion collisions. The $p_T$ dependence of $v_2$ of the multi-strange baryons confirms the number of constituent quark scaling previously observed for lighter hadrons. These results support the idea that a substantial fraction of the observed collective motion is developed at the early partonic stage in ultra-relativistic nuclear collisions at RHIC.
$\Xi^{-} + \Xi^{+}$ invariant mass distribution from minimum bias (0–80%) Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
$\Omega^{-} + \Omega^{+}$ invariant mass distribution from minimum bias (0–80%) Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
Azimuthal distributions with respect to the event plane of the $\Xi^{-} + \Xi^{+}$ and $\Omega^{-} + \Omega^{+}$ raw yields.
A study is reported of the same- and opposite-sign charge-dependent azimuthal correlations with respect to the event plane in Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV. The charge multiplicity asymmetries between the up/down and left/right hemispheres relative to the event plane are utilized. The contributions from statistical fluctuations and detector effects were subtracted from the (co-)variance of the observed charge multiplicity asymmetries. In the mid- to most-central collisions, the same- (opposite-) sign pairs are preferentially emitted in back-to-back (aligned on the same-side) directions. The charge separation across the event plane, measured by the difference, $\Delta$, between the like- and unlike-sign up/down $-$ left/right correlations, is largest near the event plane. The difference is found to be proportional to the event-by-event final-state particle ellipticity (via the observed second-order harmonic $v^{\rm obs}_{2}$), where $\Delta=(1.3\pm1.4({\rm stat})^{+4.0}_{-1.0}({\rm syst}))\times10^{-5}+(3.2\pm0.2({\rm stat})^{+0.4}_{-0.3}({\rm syst}))\times10^{-3}v^{\rm obs}_{2}$ for 20-40% Au+Au collisions. The implications for the proposed chiral magnetic effect are discussed.
Centrality dependences of the charge asymmetry dynamical correlations, $\delta\langle A^{2}\rangle$, and the positive and negative charge asymmetry correlations, $\delta\langle A_{+}A_{-}\rangle$. The asymmetries are calculated between hemispheres separated by the event plane (UD) and between those separated by the plane perpendicular to the event plane (LR). The asymmetry correlations are multiplied by the number of participants $N_{part}$. The upper (lower) shaded band shows half of the systematic uncertainty in the $\delta\langle A_{+}A_{-}\rangle$ ($\delta\langle A^{2}\rangle$); the larger of the UD\ and LR\ systematic uncertainties is drawn. The stars and triangles depict the $d$+Au results.
The correlation differences $\Delta\langle A^{2}\rangle=\delta\langle A^{2}_{ UD}\rangle-\delta\langle A^{2}_{ LR}\rangle$ and $\Delta\langle A_{+}A_{-}\rangle=\delta\langle A_{+}A_{-}\rangle_{ UD}-\delta\langle A_{+}A_{-}\rangle_{ LR}$, scaled by the number of participants $N_{part}$, as a function of $N_{part}$. The error bars are statistical, and the systematic uncertainties are shown in the shaded bands (upper band for $\Delta\langle A_{+}A_{-}\rangle$ and lower band for $\Delta\langle A^{2}\rangle$). Also shown as the lines are the linear-extrapolated values of $\Delta\langle A^{2}\rangle$ and $\Delta\langle A_{+}A_{-}\rangle$ corresponding to a perfect event-plane resolution. The star and triangle depict the $d$+Au results.
The $p_{T}$ dependence of the charge asymmetry dynamical correlations, $\delta\langle A^{2}\rangle$, and the positive and negative charge asymmetry correlations, $\delta\langle A_{+}A_{-}\rangle$. The data are from 20-40% central Au+Au collisions. The asymmetries are calculated between hemispheres separated by the event plane (UD) and between those separated by the plane perpendicular to the event plane (LR).
We report the first measurements of the moments -- mean ($M$), variance ($\sigma^{2}$), skewness ($S$) and kurtosis ($\kappa$) -- of the net-charge multiplicity distributions at mid-rapidity in Au+Au collisions at seven energies, ranging from $\sqrt {{s_{\rm NN}}}$= 7.7 to 200 GeV, as a part of the Beam Energy Scan program at RHIC. The moments are related to the thermodynamic susceptibilities of net-charge, and are sensitive to the proximity of the QCD critical point. We compare the products of the moments, $\sigma^{2}/M$, $S\sigma$ and $\kappa\sigma^{2}$ with the expectations from Poisson and negative binomial distributions (NBD). The $S\sigma$ values deviate from Poisson and are close to NBD baseline, while the $\kappa\sigma^{2}$ values tend to lie between the two. Within the present uncertainties, our data do not show non-monotonic behavior as a function of collision energy. These measurements provide a distinct way of determining the freeze-out parameters in heavy-ion collisions by comparing with theoretical models.
The efficiency and centrality bin width corrected mean (M) of the net-charge multiplicity distributions as a function of number of participating nucleons $N_{part}$ for Au+Au collisions at 7.7 GeV. The dotted lines represent calculations from the central limit theorem. The error bars are statisticaland systematic errors.
The efficiency and centrality bin width corrected mean (M) of the net-charge multiplicity distributions as a function of number of participating nucleons $N_{part}$ for Au+Au collisions at 11.5 GeV. The dotted lines represent calculations from the central limit theorem. The error bars are statisticaland systematic errors.
The efficiency and centrality bin width corrected mean (M) of the net-charge multiplicity distributions as a function of number of participating nucleons $N_{part}$ for Au+Au collisions at 19.6 GeV. The dotted lines represent calculations from the central limit theorem. The error bars are statisticaland systematic errors.
We present the first measurement of multiplicity and pseudorapidity distributions of photons in the pseudorapidity region 2.3 $\le$ $\eta$ $\le$ 3.7 for different centralities in Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62.4 GeV. We find that the photon yield in this pseudorapidity range scales with the number of participating nucleons at all collision centralities studied. The pseudorapidity distribution of photons, dominated by neutral pion decays, has been compared to those of identified charged pions, photons, and inclusive charged particles from heavy ion and nucleon-nucleon collisions at various energies. The photon production in the measured pseudorapidity region has been shown to be consistent with the energy and centrality independent limiting fragmentation scenario.
${dN_{\gamma}}\over{d\eta}$ for various event centrality classes compared to HIJING and AMPT model calculations.
(Color Online) Estimated ${dN_{\pi^{0}}}\over{dy}$ from ${dN_{\gamma}}\over{dy}$ normalized to $N_{part}$, as compared to ${dN_{\pi^{\pm}}}\over{dy}$ normalized to $N_{part}$, as a function of $y-y_{beam}$ for central collisions at various collision energies.
We present the multiplicity and pseudorapidity distributions of photons produced in Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at \sqrt{s_NN} = 62.4 and 200 GeV. The photons are measured in the region -3.7 < \eta < -2.3 using the photon multiplicity detector in the STAR experiment at RHIC. The number of photons produced per average number of participating nucleon pairs increases with the beam energy and is independent of the collision centrality. For collisions with similar average numbers of participating nucleons the photon multiplicities are observed to be similar for Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at a given beam energy. The ratios of the number of charged particles to photons in the measured pseudorapidity range are found to be 1.4 +/- 0.1 and 1.2 +/- 0.1 for \sqrt{s_NN} = 62.4 GeV and 200 GeV, respectively. The energy dependence of this ratio could reflect varying contributions from baryons to charged particles, while mesons are the dominant contributors to photon production in the given kinematic region. The photon pseudorapidity distributions normalized by average number of participating nucleon pairs, when plotted as a function of \eta - ybeam, are found to follow a longitudinal scaling independent of centrality and colliding ion species at both beam energies.
Fig. 1. (Color online.) Top panel: Photon reconstruction efficiency $\left(\epsilon_{\gamma}\right)$ (solid symbols) and purity of photon sample $\left(f_{\mathrm{p}}\right)$ (open symbols) for PMD as a function of pseudorapidity $(\eta)$ for minimum bias $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ and $\mathrm{Cu}+\mathrm{Cu}$ at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=$ $200 \mathrm{GeV}$. Bottom panel: Comparison between estimated $\epsilon_{\gamma}$ and $f_{\mathrm{p}}$ for PMD as a function of $\eta$ for minimum bias $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=62.4 \mathrm{GeV}$ using HIJING and AMPT models. The error bars on the AMPT data are statistical and those for HIJING are within the symbol size. NOTE: For points with invisible error bars, the point size was considered as an absolute upper limit for the uncertainty.
Fig. 1. (Color online.) Top panel: Photon reconstruction efficiency $\left(\epsilon_{\gamma}\right)$ (solid symbols) and purity of photon sample $\left(f_{\mathrm{p}}\right)$ (open symbols) for PMD as a function of pseudorapidity $(\eta)$ for minimum bias $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ and $\mathrm{Cu}+\mathrm{Cu}$ at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=$ $200 \mathrm{GeV}$. Bottom panel: Comparison between estimated $\epsilon_{\gamma}$ and $f_{\mathrm{p}}$ for PMD as a function of $\eta$ for minimum bias $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=62.4 \mathrm{GeV}$ using HIJING and AMPT models. The error bars on the AMPT data are statistical and those for HIJING are within the symbol size. NOTE: For points with invisible error bars, the point size was considered as an absolute upper limit for the uncertainty.
Fig. 2. (Color online.) Event-by-event photon multiplicity distributions (solid circles) for $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ and $\mathrm{Cu}+\mathrm{Cu}$ at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}=62.4$ and $200 \mathrm{GeV} .$ The distributions for top $0-5 \%$ central $\mathrm{Au}+$ Au collisions and top $0-10 \%$ central $\mathrm{Cu}+\mathrm{Cu}$ collisions are also shown (open circles). The photon multiplicity distributions for central collisions are observed to be Gaussian (solid line). Only statistical errors are shown. NOTE: For points with invisible error bars, the point size was considered as an absolute upper limit for the uncertainty.
The differential cross section and spin asymmetries for neutral pions produced within the intermediate pseudorapidity range 0.8 < {\eta} < 2.0 in polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt{s} = 200 GeV are presented. Neutral pions were detected using the endcap electromagnetic calorimeter in the STAR detector at RHIC. The cross section was measured over a transverse momentum range of 5 < p_T < 16 GeV/c and is found to be within the scale uncertainty of a next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculation. The longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, A_LL, is measured in the same pseudorapidity range. This quantity is sensitive to the gluonic contribution to the proton spin, {\Delta}g(x), at low Bjorken-x (down to x approx 0.01), where it is less constrained by measurements at central pseudorapidity. The measured A_LL is consistent with model predictions. The parity-violating asymmetry, A_L, is also measured and found to be consistent with zero. The transverse single-spin asymmetry, A_N, is measured within a previously unexplored kinematic range in Feynman-x and p_T. Such measurements may aid our understanding of the on-set and kinematic dependence of the large asymmetries observed at more forward pseudorapidity ({\eta} approx 3) and their underlying mechanisms. The A_N results presented are consistent with a twist-3 model prediction of a small asymmetry within the present kinematic range.
Distributions of x1 and x2 in two different bins of reconstructed $\pi^{0}$ pT for events at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV over 0.8 < $\eta$ < 2.
Comparison of data to Monte Carlo for the distributions of two-photon invariant mass (left) and energy for the higher (center) and lower (right) energy photon.
Comparison of data to Monte Carlo for the distributions of two-photon invariant mass (left) and energy for the higher (center) and lower (right) energy photon.
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 present results of analyses of two-pion interferometry in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 7.7, 11.5, 19.6, 27, 39, 62.4 and 200 GeV measured in the STAR detector as part of the RHIC Beam Energy Scan program. The extracted correlation lengths (HBT radii) are studied as a function of beam energy, azimuthal angle relative to the reaction plane, centrality, and transverse mass ($m_{T}$) of the particles. The azimuthal analysis allows extraction of the eccentricity of the entire fireball at kinetic freeze-out. The energy dependence of this observable is expected to be sensitive to changes in the equation of state. A new global fit method is studied as an alternate method to directly measure the parameters in the azimuthal analysis. The eccentricity shows a monotonic decrease with beam energy that is qualitatively consistent with the trend from all model predictions and quantitatively consistent with a hadronic transport model.
Angular oscillations of the HBT radii relative to the event plane from 20-30% central, 19.6 GeV Au+Au collisions for 0.15 < kT < 0.6 GeV/c. HHLW Radii uncorrected for resolution and binning for $R_{out}$.
Angular oscillations of the HBT radii relative to the event plane from 20-30% central, 19.6 GeV Au+Au collisions for 0.15 < kT < 0.6 GeV/c. HHLW Radii for resolution and binning for $R_{out}$, $R_{side}$, $R_{long}$, $R_{os}$, and $R_{ol}$ respectively.
Angular oscillations of the HBT radii relative to the event plane from 20-30% central, 19.6 GeV Au+Au collisions for 0.15 < kT < 0.6 GeV/c. Radius values according to global fit of Fourier Coefficients for $R_{out}$, $R_{side}$, $R_{long}$, $R_{os}$, and $R_{ol}$ respectively.
We present $\Lambda\Lambda$ correlation measurements in heavy-ion collisions for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}= 200$ GeV using the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC). The Lednick\'{y}-Lyuboshitz analytical model has been used to fit the data to obtain a source size, a scattering length and an effective range. Implications of the measurement of the $\Lambda\Lambda$ correlation function and interaction parameters for di-hyperon searches are discussed.
The invariant mass distribution for $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ produced in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV, for 0-80% centrality. The $\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}$ candidates lying in the mass range 1.112 to 1.120 GeV/c^2 were selected for the correlation measurement.
The $\Lambda\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}\bar{\Lambda}$ correlation function in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV, for 0-80% centrality.
The combined $\Lambda\Lambda$ and $\bar{\Lambda}\bar{\Lambda}$ correlation function for 0-80% centrality Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
The STAR collaboration presents for the first time two-dimensional di-hadron correlations with identified leading hadrons in 200 GeV central Au+Au and minimum-bias d+Au collisions to explore hadronization mechanisms in the quark gluon plasma. The enhancement of the jet-like yield for leading pions in Au+Au data with respect to the d+Au reference and the absence of such an enhancement for leading non-pions (protons and kaons) are discussed within the context of a quark recombination scenario. The correlated yield at large angles, specifically in the \emph{ridge region}, is found to be significantly higher for leading non-pions than pions. The consistencies of the constituent quark scaling, azimuthal harmonic model and a mini-jet modification model description of the data are tested, providing further constraints on hadronization.
Two-dimensional $\Delta\phi$ vs. $\Delta\eta$ correlation functions for charged hadron triggers from minimum-bias d+Au data at 200 GeV. All trigger and associated charged hadrons are selected in the respective pT ranges 4 < $p_T^{trig}$ < 5 GeV/c and 1.5 < $p_T^{assoc}$ < 4 GeV/c.
Two-dimensional $\Delta\phi$ vs. $\Delta\eta$ correlation functions for charged hadron triggers from 0-10% most-central Au+Au data at 200 GeV. All trigger and associated charged hadrons are selected in the respective pT ranges 4 < $p_T^{trig}$ < 5 GeV/c and 1.5 < $p_T^{assoc}$ < 4 GeV/c.
Two-dimensional $\Delta\phi$ vs. $\Delta\eta$ correlation functions for non-pion triggers from minimum-bias d+Au data at 200 GeV. All trigger and associated charged hadrons are selected in the respective pT ranges 4 < $p_T^{trig}$ < 5 GeV/c and 1.5 < $p_T^{assoc}$ < 4 GeV/c.
A search for the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) critical point was performed by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, using dynamical fluctuations of unlike particle pairs. Heavy-ion collisions were studied over a large range of collision energies with homogeneous acceptance and excellent particle identification, covering a significant range in the QCD phase diagram where a critical point may be located. Dynamical $K\pi$, $p\pi$, and $Kp$ fluctuations as measured by the STAR experiment in central 0-5\% Au+Au collisions from center-of-mass collision energies $\rm \sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 7.7 to 200 GeV are presented. The observable $\rm \nu_{dyn}$ was used to quantify the magnitude of the dynamical fluctuations in event-by-event measurements of the $K\pi$, $p\pi$, and $Kp$ pairs. The energy dependences of these fluctuations from central 0-5\% Au+Au collisions all demonstrate a smooth evolution with collision energy.
$p\pi$, Kp, and $K\pi$ fluctuations as a function of collision energy, expressed as $v_{dyn,p\pi}$, $v_{dyn,Kp}$, and $v_{dyn,K\pi}$ respectively. Shown are data from central (0-5%) Au+Au collisions at energies from $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 7.7 to 200 GeV from the STAR experiment.
We present first measurements of the $\phi$-meson elliptic flow ($v_{2}(p_{T})$) and high statistics $p_{T}$ distributions for different centralities from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. In minimum bias collisions the $v_{2}$ of the $\phi$ meson is consistent with the trend observed for mesons. The ratio of the yields of the $\Omega$ to those of the $\phi$ as a function of transverse momentum is consistent with a model based on the recombination of thermal $s$ quarks up to $p_{T}\sim 4$ GeV/$c$, but disagrees at higher momenta. The nuclear modification factor ($R_{CP}$) of $\phi$ follows the trend observed in the $K^{0}_{S}$ mesons rather than in $\Lambda$ baryons, supporting baryon-meson scaling. Since $\phi$-mesons are made via coalescence of seemingly thermalized $s$ quarks in central Au+Au collisions, the observations imply hot and dense matter with partonic collectivity has been formed at RHIC.
The elliptic flow, $v_{2}$($p_{T}$), for the $\phi$-meson as a function of centrality. The vertical error bars represent the statistical errors while the shaded bands represent the systematic uncertainties. For clarity, data points are shifted slightly.
(color online) Transverse momentum distributions of $\phi$-mesons from Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. For clarity, distributions for different centralities are scaled by factors of ten. Dashed lines represent the exponential fits to the distributions and the dotted lines are Levy function fits. Error bars represent statistical errors only.
(color online) The $N(\Omega)/N(\phi)$ ratio vs. $p_{T}$ for three centrality bins in $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions. The solid and dashed lines represent recombination model predictions for central collisions [21] for total and thermal contributions, respectively.
We present measurements of three-dimensional correlation functions of like-sign low transverse momentum kaon pairs from sqrt(sNN)=200 GeV Au+Au collisions. A Cartesian surface-spherical harmonic decomposition technique was used to extract the kaon source function. The latter was found to have a three-dimensional Gaussian shape and can be adequately reproduced by Therminator event generator simulations with resonance contributions taken into account. Compared to the pion one, the kaon source function is generally narrower and does not have the long tail along the pair transverse momentum direction. The kaon Gaussian radii display a monotonic decrease with increasing transverse mass m_T over the interval of 0.55<=m_T<=1.15 GeV/c^2. While the kaon radii are adequately described by the m_T-scaling in the outward and sideward directions, in the longitudinal direction the lowest m_T value exceeds the expectations from a pure hydrodynamical model prediction.
Independent correlation moments Rl(q) for orders l = 0,2,4 for midrapidity, low transverse momentum kaon pairs from the 20% most central Au+Au collisions at sqrt(sNN)=200 GeV
Kaon correlation function profiles for midrapidity, low transverse momentum kaon pairs from the 20% most central Au+Au collisions at sqrt(sNN)=200 GeV
Kaon source function profiles extracted from the data
We report first results from an analysis based on a new multi-hadron correlation technique, exploring jet-medium interactions and di-jet surface emission bias at RHIC. Pairs of back-to-back high transverse momentum hadrons are used for triggers to study associated hadron distributions. In contrast with two- and three-particle correlations with a single trigger with similar kinematic selections, the associated hadron distribution of both trigger sides reveals no modification in either relative pseudo-rapidity or relative azimuthal angle from d+Au to central Au+Au collisions. We determine associated hadron yields and spectra as well as production rates for such correlated back-to-back triggers to gain additional insights on medium properties.
Projections of 2+1 correlation on $\Delta\phi$ for 200 GeV top 12% central-triggered and mid-central Au+Au and minimum bias d+Au data.
Projections of 2+1 correlation on $\Delta\eta$ for 200 GeV top 12% central-triggered and mid-central Au+Au and minimum bias d+Au data.
Transverse momentum distributions per trigger pair for the same- and away-side hadrons associated with di-jet triggers (|$\Delta\phi$| < 0.5, |$\Delta\eta$| < 0.5).
The STAR Collaboration reports the measurement of semi-inclusive distributions of charged-particle jets recoiling from a high transverse momentum hadron trigger, in central and peripheral Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. Charged jets are reconstructed with the anti-kT algorithm for jet radii R between 0.2 and 0.5 and with low infrared cutoff of track constituents ($p_T>0.2$ GeV/c). A novel mixed-event technique is used to correct the large uncorrelated background present in heavy ion collisions. Corrected recoil jet distributions are reported at mid-rapidity, for charged-jet transverse momentum $p_T^\mathrm{jet,ch}<30$ GeV/c. Comparison is made to similar measurements for Pb+Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV, to calculations for p+p collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV based on the PYTHIA Monte Carlo generator and on a Next-to-Leading Order perturbative QCD approach, and to theoretical calculations incorporating jet quenching. The recoil jet yield is suppressed in central relative to peripheral collisions, with the magnitude of the suppression corresponding to medium-induced charged energy transport out of the jet cone of $2.8\pm0.2\mathrm{(stat)}\pm1.5\mathrm{(sys)}$ GeV/c, for $10<p_T^\mathrm{jet,ch}<20$ GeV/c and R = 0.5. No medium-induced change in jet shape is observed for $R<0.5$. The azimuthal distribution of low-$p_T^\mathrm{jet,ch}$ recoil jets may be enhanced at large azimuthal angles to the trigger axis, due to scattering off quasi-particles in the hot QCD medium. Measurement of this distribution gives a 90% statistical confidence upper limit to the yield enhancement at large deflection angles in central Au+Au collisions of $50\pm30\mathrm{(sys)\%}$ of the large-angle yield in p+pcollisions predicted by PYTHIA.
Distribution of p_{T,jet}^{reco,ch} for Au + Au collisions at \sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200 GeV for R = 0.2 jets in central events.
Distribution of p_{T,jet}^{reco,ch} for Au + Au collisions at \sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200 GeV for R = 0.2 jets in central events, mixed events.
Distribution of p_{T,jet}^{reco,ch} for Au + Au collisions at \sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200 GeV for R = 0.2 jets in peripheral events.
Local parity-odd domains are theorized to form inside a Quark-Gluon-Plasma (QGP) which has been produced in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. The local parity-odd domains manifest themselves as charge separation along the magnetic field axis via the chiral magnetic effect (CME). The experimental observation of charge separation has previously been reported for heavy-ion collisions at the top RHIC energies. In this paper, we present the results of the beam-energy dependence of the charge correlations in Au+Au collisions at midrapidity for center-of-mass energies of 7.7, 11.5, 19.6, 27, 39 and 62.4 GeV from the STAR experiment. After background subtraction, the signal gradually reduces with decreased beam energy, and tends to vanish by 7.7 GeV. The implications of these results for the CME will be discussed.
The three-point correlator, $\gamma$, as a function of centrality for Au+Au collisions at 62.4 GeV.
The three-point correlator, $\gamma$, as a function of centrality for Au+Au collisions at 39 GeV.
The three-point correlator, $\gamma$, as a function of centrality for Au+Au collisions at 27 GeV.
Azimuthal angular correlations of charged hadrons with respect to the axis of a reconstructed (trigger) jet in Au+Au and p+p collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\text{NN}}} = 200 \text{GeV}$ in STAR are presented. The trigger jet population in Au+Au collisions is biased towards jets that have not interacted with the medium, allowing easier matching of jet energies between Au+Au and p+p collisions while enhancing medium effects on the recoil jet. The associated hadron yield of the recoil jet is significantly suppressed at high transverse momentum ($p_{\text{T}}^{\text{assoc}}$) and enhanced at low $p_{\text{T}}^{\text{assoc}}$ in 0-20% central Au+Au collisions compared to p+p collisions, which is indicative of medium-induced parton energy loss in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions.
Jet-hadron correlations after background subtraction. Shown with Gaussian fits to jet peaks and systematic uncertanty bands Au+Au(0.5-1 GeV).
Jet-hadron correlations after background subtraction. Shown with Gaussian fits to jet peaks and systematic uncertanty bands p+p(0.5-1).
Jet-hadron correlations after background subtraction. Shown with Gaussian fits to jet peaks and systematic uncertanty bands Au+Au(4-6 GeV).
The $\jpsi$ $\pt$ spectrum and nuclear modification factor ($\raa$) are reported for $\pt < 5 \ \gevc$ and $|y|<1$ from 0\% to 60\% central Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at $\snn = 200 \ \gev$ at STAR. A significant suppression of $\pt$-integrated $\jpsi$ production is observed in central Au+Au events. The Cu+Cu data are consistent with no suppression, although the precision is limited by the available statistics. $\raa$ in Au+Au collisions exhibits a strong suppression at low transverse momentum and gradually increases with $\pt$. The data are compared to high-$\pt$ STAR results and previously published BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider results. Comparing with model calculations, it is found that the invariant yields at low $\pt$ are significantly above hydrodynamic flow predictions but are consistent with models that include color screening and regeneration.
The invariant yield versus transverse momentum for |y| < 1 in 0-20% centrality in Au+Au collisions (solid circles). The results are compared to high-$p_T$ (3 < $p_T$ < 10 GeV/c) results from STAR [9] (solid squares) and PHENIX data [8] (open squares).
The invariant yield versus transverse momentum for |y| < 1 in 20-40% centrality in Au+Au collisions (solid circles). The results are compared to high-$p_T$ (3 < $p_T$ < 10 GeV/c) results from STAR [9] (solid squares) and PHENIX data [8] (open squares).
The invariant yield versus transverse momentum for |y| < 1 in 40-60% centrality in Au+Au collisions (solid circles). The results are compared to high-$p_T$ (3 < $p_T$ < 10 GeV/c) results from STAR [9] (solid squares) and PHENIX data [8] (open squares).
We report measurements of the charge-separated $W^{+(-)} \to e^{+(-)} + \nu_e(\bar{\nu}_e)$ and $Z/\gamma^* \to e^+e^-$ production cross sections at mid-rapidity in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 500 GeV. These results are based on 13.2 pb$^{-1}$ of data recorded in 2009 by the STAR detector at RHIC. Production cross sections for W bosons that decay via the $e \nu$ channel were measured to be $\sigma(pp \to W^+ X) \cdot BR(W^+ \to e^+ \nu_e)$ = 117.3 \pm 5.9(stat) \pm 6.2(syst) \pm 15.2(lumi) pb, and $\sigma(pp \to W^- X) \cdot BR(W^- \to e^- \bar{\nu}_e)$ = 43.3 \pm 4.6(stat) \pm 3.4(syst) \pm 5.6(lumi) pb. For $Z/\gamma^*$ production, $\sigma(pp \to Z/\gamma^* X) \cdot BR(Z/\gamma^* \to e^+ e^-)$ = 7.7 \pm 2.1(stat) $^{+0.5}_{-0.9}$(syst) \pm 1.0(lumi) pb for di-lepton invariant masses $m_{e^+e^-}$ between 70 and 110 GeV/$c^2$. First measurements of the W cross section ratio, $\sigma(pp \to W^+ X) / \sigma(pp \to W^- X)$, at $\sqrt{s}$ = 500 GeV are also reported. Theoretical predictions, calculated using recent parton distribution functions, are found to agree with the measured cross sections.
(Color online) Distributions of the invariant mass of pairs of oppositely charged $e^{\pm}$ candidates after sequentially applying the selection criteria described in Sec. IV A to both $e^{\pm}$ candidates.
(Color online) Distributions of the invariant mass of $Z/\gamma^{*} \to e^{+}e^{−}$ candidate events satisfying all selection criteria described in Sec. IVC. The $Z/\gamma^{*} \to e^{+}e^{−}$ MC distribution (dashed line) is shown for comparison. Note the larger bin widths relative to Fig. 7
(Color online) $E^{e}_{T}$ distribution of $W^{+}$ (top) and $W^{−}$ (bottom) candidate events, background components, and $W \to e\nu$ MC signal for comparison. Note the factor of two difference in the vertical scales.
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 measurement of J/{psi} azimuthal anisotropy is presented as a function of transverse momentum for different centralities in Au+Au collisions at {sqrt{s_{NN}}} = 200 GeV. The measured J/{psi} elliptic flow is consistent with zero within errors for transverse momentum between 2 and 10 GeV/c. Our measurement suggests that J/{psi} with relatively large transverse momentum are not dominantly produced by coalescence from thermalized charm quarks, when comparing to model calculations.
J/Psi azimuthal anisotropy v2 vs pT measured via the dielectron channel in 0-10%, 10-40%, and 40-80% central Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV. The brackets represent systematic errors. The boxes show the estimated maximum possible range of v2 if the nonflow influence is corrected. The mean pT in each bin for v2 calculation is drawn, but is shifted a little for some centralities so that all points can be seen clearly.
J/Psi azimuthal anisotropy v2 vs pT measured via the dielectron channel in 0-80% central Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV. The brackets represent systematic errors. The boxes show the estimated maximum possible range of v2 if the nonflow influence is corrected.
We report a new high-precision measurement of the mid-rapidity inclusive jet longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, $A_{LL}$, in polarized $pp$ collisions at center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s}=200$ GeV. The STAR data place stringent constraints on polarized parton distribution functions extracted at next-to-leading order from global analyses of inclusive deep inelastic scattering (DIS), semi-inclusive DIS, and RHIC $pp$ data. The measured asymmetries provide evidence for positive gluon polarization in the Bjorken-$x$ region $x>0.05$.
Jet neutral energy fraction (NEF) comparing data with simulations, where both are calculated with pT subtraction. This plot shows 8.4 < $p_T$ < 9.9 GeV/c.
Jet neutral energy fraction (NEF) comparing data with simulations, where both are calculated with pT subtraction. This plot shows 26.8 < $p_T$ < 31.6 GeV/c.
Inclusive jet $A_{LL}$ vs. parton jet $p_T$ for |eta|<0.5.
Results on high transverse momentum charged particle emission with respect to the reaction plane are presented for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}$= 200 GeV. Two- and four-particle correlations results are presented as well as a comparison of azimuthal correlations in Au+Au collisions to those in $p+p$ at the same energy. Elliptic anisotropy, $v_2$, is found to reach its maximum at $p_t \sim 3$ GeV/c, then decrease slowly and remain significant up to $p_t\approx 7$ -- 10 GeV/c. Stronger suppression is found in the back-to-back high-$p_t$ particle correlations for particles emitted out-of-plane compared to those emitted in-plane. The centrality dependence of $v_2$ at intermediate $p_t$ is compared to simple models based on jet quenching.
Azimuthal correlations in Au+Au col- lisions (squares) as a function of centrality (peripheral to cen- tral from left to right) compared to minimum bias azimuthal correlations in p + p collisions (circles). Errors are statistical only.
$v_{2}$ of charged particles as a function of transverse momentum from the two-particle cumu- lant method (triangles) and four-particle cumulant method (stars). Open circles show the 2-particle correlation results after subtracting the correlations measured in p + p collisions. Only statistical errors are shown.
Upper panel, Azimuthal distributions of associated particles for trigger particles in-plane (squares) and out-of-plane (triangles) for Au+Au collisions at centrality 20-60%. Open symbols are reflections of solid symbols around $\Delta \phi$ = 0 and $\Delta \phi$ = $\pi$. Elliptic flow contribution is shown by dashed lines. Lower panel, Distributions after substracting elliptic flow, and the corresponding measurement in p + p collisions (histogram).
We report measurements of single- and double- spin asymmetries for $W^{\pm}$ and $Z/\gamma^*$ boson production in longitudinally polarized $p+p$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 510$ GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The asymmetries for $W^{\pm}$ were measured as a function of the decay lepton pseudorapidity, which provides a theoretically clean probe of the proton's polarized quark distributions at the scale of the $W$ mass. The results are compared to theoretical predictions, constrained by recent polarized deep inelastic scattering measurements, and show a preference for a sizable, positive up antiquark polarization in the range $0.05<x<0.2$.
$E_T^e$ distribution of $W^{\pm}$ candidate events, background contributions, and sum of backgrounds and W -> ev MC signal. This plot is for Electron |eta|<0.5.
$E_T^e$ distribution of $W^{\pm}$ candidate events, background contributions, and sum of backgrounds and W -> ev MC signal. This plot is for Electron 0.5<|eta|<1.1.
$E_T^e$ distribution of $W^{\pm}$ candidate events, background contributions, and sum of backgrounds and W -> ev MC signal. This plot is for Positron |eta|<0.5.
We report on the first measurement of the azimuthal anisotropy ($v_2$) of dielectrons ($e^{+}e^{-}$ pairs) at mid-rapidity from $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}} = 200$ GeV Au+Au collisions with the STAR detector at RHIC, presented as a function of transverse momentum ($p_T$) for different invariant-mass regions. In the mass region $M_{ee}\!<1.1$ GeV/$c^2$ the dielectron $v_2$ measurements are found to be consistent with expectations from $\pi^{0}$, $\eta$, $\omega$ and $\phi$ decay contributions. In the mass region $1.1\!<M_{ee}\!<2.9$ GeV/$c^2$, the measured dielectron $v_2$ is consistent, within experimental uncertainties, with that from the $c\bar{c}$ contributions.
The dielectron $v_2$ in the $\pi^0$ Dalitz decay region as a function of $p_T$ in different centralities from Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
Expected dielectron $v_2$ from $\pi^0$ Dalitz decay as a function of $p_T$ in different centralities from Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV.
The dielectron $v_2$ as a function of $p_T$ in minimum-bias Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV for the $\pi^0$ mass region.
Elliptic flow ($v_{2}$) values for identified particles at mid-rapidity in Au+Au collisions, measured by the STAR experiment in the Beam Energy Scan at RHIC at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=$ 7.7--62.4 GeV, are presented. A beam-energy dependent difference of the values of $v_{2}$ between particles and corresponding anti-particles was observed. The difference increases with decreasing beam energy and is larger for baryons compared to mesons. This implies that, at lower energies, particles and anti-particles are not consistent with the universal number-of-constituent-quark (NCQ) scaling of $v_{2}$ that was observed at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=$ 200 GeV.
The elliptic flow $v_{2}$ of protons and anti-protons as a function of the transverse momentum, $p_{T}$, for 0–80$\%$ central Au+Au collisions. The lower panels show the difference in $v_{2}(p_{T})$ between the particles and anti-particles. The solid curves are fits with a horizontal line. The shaded areas depict the magnitude of the systematic errors.
The elliptic flow $v_{2}$ of protons and anti-protons as a function of the transverse momentum, $p_{T}$, for 0–80$\%$ central Au+Au collisions. The lower panels show the difference in $v_{2}(p_{T})$ between the particles and anti-particles. The solid curves are fits with a horizontal line. The shaded areas depict the magnitude of the systematic errors.
The elliptic flow $v_{2}$ of protons and anti-protons as a function of the transverse momentum, $p_{T}$, for 0–80$\%$ central Au+Au collisions. The lower panels show the difference in $v_{2}(p_{T})$ between the particles and anti-particles. The solid curves are fits with a horizontal line. The shaded areas depict the magnitude of the systematic errors.
We report on the observed differences in production rates of strange and multi-strange baryons in Au+Au collisions at sqrts = 200 GeV compared to pp interactions at the same energy. The strange baryon yields in Au+Au collisions, then scaled down by the number of participating nucleons, are enhanced relative to those measured in pp reactions. The enhancement observed increases with the strangeness content of the baryon, and increases for all strange baryons with collision centrality. The enhancement is qualitatively similar to that observed at lower collision energy sqrts =17.3 GeV. The previous observations are for the bulk production, while at intermediate pT, 1 < pT< 4 GeV/c, the strange baryons even exceed binary scaling from pp yields.
Midrapidity E(i) as a function of $<N_{part}>$ for $\Lambda$, $\bar{\Lambda}$ ($|y| < 1.0$), $\Xi^{-}$, $\bar{\Xi}^{+}$ ($|y| < 0.75$). Error bars on the data points represent those from the heavy ions. Stat. and syst. errors added in quadrature. Grand Canonical Model arrows(values in brackets), for $\Lambda$ E(2.6) and T(165 MeV) for $\bar{\Lambda}$ E(2.2) and T(170 MeV), for $\Xi$ E(10.7) and T(165 MeV), for anti-$\Xi$ E(7.5) and T(170 MeV).
Midrapidity E(i) as a function of $<N_{part}>$ for $\Omega^{-}+\bar{\Omega}^{+}$ ($|y| < 0.75$). Error bars on the data points represent those from the heavy ions. Stat. and syst. errors added in quadrature.
Midrapidity E(i) as a function of $<N_{part}>$ for inclusive $p$ ($|y| < 0.5$). Error bars on the data points represent those from the heavy ions. Stat. and syst. errors added in quadrature.
We report measurements of Upsilon meson production in p+p, d+Au, and Au+Au collisions using the STAR detector at RHIC. We compare the Upsilon yield to the measured cross section in p+p collisions in order to quantify any modifications of the yield in cold nuclear matter using d+Au data and in hot nuclear matter using Au+Au data separated into three centrality classes. Our p+p measurement is based on three times the statistics of our previous result. We obtain a nuclear modification factor for Upsilon(1S+2S+3S) in the rapidity range |y|<1 in d+Au collisions of R_dAu = 0.79 +/- 0.24 (stat.) +/- 0.03 (sys.) +/- 0.10 (pp sys.). A comparison with models including shadowing and initial state parton energy loss indicates the presence of additional cold-nuclear matter suppression. Similarly, in the top 10% most-central Au+Au collisions, we measure a nuclear modification factor of R_AA=0.49 +/- 0.1 (stat.) +/- 0.02 (sys.) +/- 0.06 (pp sys.), which is a larger suppression factor than that seen in cold nuclear matter. Our results are consistent with complete suppression of excited-state Upsilon mesons in Au+Au collisions. The additional suppression in Au+Au is consistent with the level expected in model calculations that include the presence of a hot, deconfined Quark-Gluon Plasma. However, understanding the suppression seen in d+Au is still needed before any definitive statements about the nature of the suppression in Au+Au can be made.
Invariant mass distributions of electron pairs in the region $|y_{ee}| < 0.5$, p+p.
Invariant mass distributions of electron pairs in the region $|y_{ee}| < 0.5$, d+Au.
(a) $B_{ee} \times d\sigma/dy$ vs. $y$ for p+p collisions and for d+Au collisions (scaled down by 103).
We report on a polarization measurement of inclusive $J/\psi$ mesons in the di-electron decay channel at mid-rapidity at 2 $<p_{T}<$ 6 GeV/$c$ in $p+p$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV. Data were taken with the STAR detector at RHIC. The $J/\psi$ polarization measurement should help to distinguish between different models of the $J/\psi$ production mechanism since they predict different $p_{T}$ dependences of the $J/\psi$ polarization. In this analysis, $J/\psi$ polarization is studied in the helicity frame. The polarization parameter $\lambda_{\theta}$ measured at RHIC becomes smaller towards high $p_{T}$, indicating more longitudinal $J/\psi$ polarization as $p_{T}$ increases. The result is compared with predictions of presently available models.
Uncorrected cos$\theta$ distribution after the combinatorial background subtraction for $2 < p_{T}^{J/\psi} < 3$ GeV/c
Uncorrected cos$\theta$ distribution after the combinatorial background subtraction for $3 < p_{T}^{J/\psi} < 4$ GeV/c
Uncorrected cos$\theta$ distribution after the combinatorial background subtraction for $4 < p_{T}^{J/\psi} < 6$ GeV/c
We present the measurement of non-photonic electron production at high transverse momentum ($p_T > $ 2.5 GeV/$c$) in $p$ + $p$ collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 200 GeV using data recorded during 2005 and 2008 by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The measured cross-sections from the two runs are consistent with each other despite a large difference in photonic background levels due to different detector configurations. We compare the measured non-photonic electron cross-sections with previously published RHIC data and pQCD calculations. Using the relative contributions of B and D mesons to non-photonic electrons, we determine the integrated cross sections of electrons ($\frac{e^++e^-}{2}$) at 3 GeV/$c < p_T <~$10 GeV/$c$ from bottom and charm meson decays to be ${d\sigma_{(B\to e)+(B\to D \to e)} \over dy_e}|_{y_e=0}$ = 4.0$\pm0.5$({\rm stat.})$\pm1.1$({\rm syst.}) nb and ${d\sigma_{D\to e} \over dy_e}|_{y_e=0}$ = 6.2$\pm0.7$({\rm stat.})$\pm1.5$({\rm syst.}) nb, respectively.
The electron pair invariant mass distributions for electrons at $2.5 < p_{T} < 3.0$ GeV/c
The electron pair invariant mass distributions for electrons at $8 < p_{T} < 10$ GeV/c
The simulated electron pair invariant mass distributions for electrons at $2.5 < p_{T} < 3$ GeV/c
Mid-rapidity open charm spectra from direct reconstruction of $D^{0}$($\bar{D^0}$)$\to K^{\mp}\pi^{\pm}$ in d+Au collisions and indirect electron/positron measurements via charm semileptonic decays in p+p and d+Au collisions at \srt = 200 GeV are reported. The $D^{0}$($\bar{D^0}$) spectrum covers a transverse momentum ($p_T$) range of 0.1 $<p_T<$ 3 \GeVc whereas the electron spectra cover a range of 1 $<p_T<$ 4 GeV/$c$. The electron spectra show approximate binary collision scaling between p+p and d+Au collisions. From these two independent analyses, the differential cross section per nucleon-nucleon binary interaction at mid-rapidity for open charm production from d+Au collisions at RHIC is $d\sigma^{NN}_{c\bar{c}}/dy$=0.30$\pm$0.04 (stat.)$\pm$0.09(syst.) mb. The results are compared to theoretical calculations. Implications for charmoniumm results in A+A collisions are discussed.
Inclusive electrons yield versus transverse momentum in D+AU collisions Data points at PT = 2.2, 2.7 and 3.5 GeV/c was obtained using only the TPC (Time Projection Chamber) and cover a pseudo-rapidity range of -1<eta<1, while other points were obtained using both a prototypeTime-of-Flight System and the TPC and cover a pseudo-rapidity range of -1<eta<0.
Inclusive electrons yield versus transverse momentum in P+P collisions.
D0 yield versus transverse momentum in D+AU collisions.
We have searched for strangelets in a triggered sample of 61 million central (top 4%) Au+Au collisions at $\sNN = 200 $GeV near beam rapidities at the STAR detector. We have sensitivity to metastable strangelets with lifetimes of order $\geq 0.1 ns$, in contrast to limits over ten times longer in AGS studies and longer still at the SPS. Upper limits of a few 10^{-6} to 10^{-7} per central Au+Au collision are set for strangelets with mass ${}^{>}_{\sim}30$ GeV/c^{2}.
Upper limit for neutral (Z=0) and charged (Z=5) strangelet as a function of mass.
Upper limit for charged (Z=1) strangelet as a function of lifetime.
Dihadron azimuthal correlations containing a high transverse momentum ($p_T$) trigger particle are sensitive to the properties of the nuclear medium created at RHIC through the strong interactions occurring between the traversing parton and the medium, i.e. jet-quenching. Previous measurements revealed a strong modification to dihadron azimuthal correlations in Au+Au collisions with respect to p+p and d+Au collisions. The modification increases with the collision centrality, suggesting a path-length or energy density dependence to the jet-quenching effect. This paper reports STAR measurements of dihadron azimuthal correlations in mid-central (20-60%) Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}}=200$ GeV as a function of the trigger particle's azimuthal angle relative to the event plane, $\phi_s=|\phi_t-\psi_{\rm EP}|$. The azimuthal correlation is studied as a function of both the trigger and associated particle $p_T$. The subtractions of the combinatorial background and anisotropic flow, assuming Zero Yield At Minimum (ZYAM), are described. The correlation results are first discussed with subtraction of the even harmonic (elliptic and quadrangular) flow backgrounds. The away-side correlation is strongly modified, and the modification varies with $\phi_s$, with a double-peak structure for out-of-plane trigger particles. The near-side ridge (long range pseudo-rapidity $\Delta\eta$ correlation) appears to drop with increasing $\phi_s$ while the jet-like component remains approximately constant. The correlation functions are further studied with subtraction of odd harmonic triangular flow background arising from fluctuations. It is found that the triangular flow, while responsible for the majority of the amplitudes, is not sufficient to explain the $\phi_s$-dependence of the ridge or the away-side double-peak structure. ...
red data points
black histogram
flow background with default flow Au+Au 20-60%, 4<p_{\text{T}}^{(t)}<6 GeV/c, 2<p_{\text{T}}^{(a)}<4 GeV/c, slice 0
The contribution of $B$ meson decays to non-photonic electrons, which are mainly produced by the semi-leptonic decays of heavy flavor mesons, in $p+p$ collisions at $\sqrt{s} =$ 200 GeV has been measured using azimuthal correlations between non-photonic electrons and hadrons. The extracted $B$ decay contribution is approximately 50% at a transverse momentum of $p_{T} \geq 5$ GeV/$c$. These measurements constrain the nuclear modification factor for electrons from $B$ and $D$ meson decays. The result indicates that $B$ meson production in heavy ion collisions is also suppressed at high $p_{T}$.
Distributions of the azimuthal angle between nonphotonic electrons and charged hadrons normalized per nonphotonic electron trigger. The trigger electron has (top) $2.5 < p_{T} < 3.5$ GeV/$c$ and (bottom) $5.5 < p_{T} < 6.5$ GeV/$c$. The curves represent PYTHIA calculations for $D$ (dotted curve) and $B$ (dashed curve) decays. The fit result is shown as the black solid curve.
(a) Background-subtracted invariant mass distribution of $K$ pairs requiring at least one nonphotonic electron trigger in the event. The solid line is a Gaussian fit to the data near the peak region. (b) Distribution of the azimuthal angle between nonphotonic electron (positron) trigger particles and $D^{0}$ ($\bar{D}^{0}$). The solid (dashed) line is a fit of the correlation function from PYTHIA (MC$@$NLO) simulations to the data points.
Transverse momentum dependence of the relative contribution from $B$ mesons ($r_{B}$) to the nonphotonic electron yields. Error bars are statistical and brackets are systematic uncertainties. The solid curve is the FONLL calculation [14]. Theoretical uncertainties are indicated by the dashed curves.
We report the STAR measurements of dielectron ($e^+e^-$) production at midrapidity ($|y_{ee}|<$1) in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 200\,GeV. The measurements are evaluated in different invariant mass regions with a focus on 0.30-0.76 ($\rho$-like), 0.76-0.80 ($\omega$-like), and 0.98-1.05 ($\phi$-like) GeV/$c^{2}$. The spectrum in the $\omega$-like and $\phi$-like regions can be well described by the hadronic cocktail simulation. In the $\rho$-like region, however, the vacuum $\rho$ spectral function cannot describe the shape of the dielectron excess. In this range, an enhancement of 1.77$\pm$0.11(stat.)$\pm$0.24(sys.)$\pm$0.33(cocktail) is determined with respect to the hadronic cocktail simulation that excludes the $\rho$ meson. The excess yield in the $\rho$-like region increases with the number of collision participants faster than the $\omega$ and $\phi$ yields. Theoretical models with broadened $\rho$ contributions through interactions with constituents in the hot QCD medium provide a consistent description of the dilepton mass spectra for the measurement presented here and the earlier data at the Super Proton Synchrotron energies.
Uncorrected Distributions of e+ e- invariant mass, the reconstructed background, and the signal pairs in 200 GeV Au+Au minimum bias collisions.
The ratio of signal to background in Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{{NN}}}$ = 200 GeV (Minimum Bias).
The ratio of signal to background in Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{{NN}}}$ = 200 GeV (Central).
We report transverse momentum ($p_{T} \leq15$ GeV/$c$) spectra of $\pi^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, $p$, $\bar{p}$, $K_{S}^{0}$, and $\rho^{0}$ at mid-rapidity in p+p and Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}$ = 200 GeV. Perturbative QCD calculations are consistent with $\pi^{\pm}$ spectra in p+p collisions but do not reproduce $K$ and $p(\bar{p})$ spectra. The observed decreasing antiparticle-to-particle ratios with increasing $p_T$ provide experimental evidence for varying quark and gluon jet contributions to high-$p_T$ hadron yields. The relative hadron abundances in Au+Au at $p_{T}{}^{>}_{\sim}8$ GeV/$c$ are measured to be similar to the p+p results, despite the expected Casimir effect for parton energy loss.
The invariant yields $d^2N/(2\pi p_T dp_T dy)$ of $\pi^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, $p$, and $\bar{p}$ from non-singly diffractive p+p collisions ($\sigma_{NSD} = 30.0 \pm 3.5$ mb), and NLO calculations with AKK [9] and DSS [10] FF. The uncertainty of yields due to the scale dependence as evaluated in [10] is about a factor of 2. Bars and boxes (bands) represent statistical and systematic uncertainties, respectively.
The invariant yields $d^2N/(2\pi p_T dp_T dy)$ of $K^0_S$ from non-singly diffractive p+p collisions ($\sigma_{NSD} = 30.0 \pm 3.5$ mb), and NLO calculations with AKK [9] and DSS [10] FF. The uncertainty of yields due to the scale dependence as evaluated in [10] is about a factor of 2. Bars and boxes (bands) represent statistical and systematic uncertainties, respectively.
The invariant yields $d^2N/(2\pi p_T dp_T dy)$ of $\rho^0$ from non-singly diffractive p+p collisions ($\sigma_{NSD} = 30.0 \pm 3.5$ mb), and NLO calculations with AKK [9] and DSS [10] FF. The uncertainty of yields due to the scale dependence as evaluated in [10] is about a factor of 2. Bars and boxes (bands) represent statistical and systematic uncertainties, respectively.
Values of the ratios in the mid-rapidity yields of anti-Lambda/Lambda = 0.71 +/- 0.01(stat.) +/- 0.04(sys.), anti-Xi+/Xi- = 0.83 +/- 0.04(stat.) +/- 0.05 (sys.), anti-Omega+/Omega- = 0.95 +/- 0.15(stat) +/- 0.05(sys.) and K+/K- 1.092 +/- 0.023(combined) were obtained in central sqrt(s_NN) = 130 GeV Au+Au collisions using the STAR detector. The ratios indicate that a fraction of the net-baryon number from the initial system is present in the excess of hyperons over anti-hyperons at mid-rapidity. The trend in the progression of the baryon ratios, with increasing strange quark content, is similar to that observed in heavy-ion collisions at lower energies. The value of these ratios may be related to the charged kaon ratio in the framework of simple quark-counting and thermal models.
Invariant mass distributions for $\Lambda$ and Anti-$\Lambda$
Invariant mass distributions for $\Xi$ and Anti-$\Xi$
Invariant mass distributions for $\Omega$ and Anti-$\Omega$
Measurements of the elliptic flow, $v_{2}$, of identified hadrons ($\pi^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, $K_{s}^{0}$, $p$, $\bar{p}$, $\phi$, $\Lambda$, $\bar{\Lambda}$, $\Xi^{-}$, $\bar{\Xi}^{+}$, $\Omega^{-}$, $\bar{\Omega}^{+}$) in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=$ 7.7, 11.5, 19.6, 27, 39 and 62.4 GeV are presented. The measurements were done at mid-rapidity using the Time Projection Chamber and the Time-of-Flight detectors of the STAR experiment during the Beam Energy Scan program at RHIC. A significant difference in the $v_{2}$ values for particles and the corresponding anti-particles was observed at all transverse momenta for the first time. The difference increases with decreasing center-of-mass energy, $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ (or increasing baryon chemical potential, $\mu_{B}$) and is larger for the baryons as compared to the mesons. This implies that particles and anti-particles are no longer consistent with the universal number-of-constituent quark (NCQ) scaling of $v_{2}$ that was observed at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=$ 200 GeV. However, for the group of particles NCQ scaling at $(m_{T}-m_{0})/n_{q}>$ 0.4 GeV/$c^{2}$ is not violated within $\pm$10%. The $v_{2}$ values for $\phi$ mesons at 7.7 and 11.5 GeV are approximately two standard deviations from the trend defined by the other hadrons at the highest measured $p_{T}$ values.
The elliptic flow,v_2, as a function of the transverse momentum,p_T, from 0–80% central Au+Au collisions for various particle species and energies.
The elliptic flow,v_2, as a function of the transverse momentum,p_T, from 0–80% central Au+Au collisions for various particle species and energies.
The elliptic flow,v_2, as a function of the transverse momentum,p_T, from 0–80% central Au+Au collisions for various particle species and energies.
We present STAR measurements of the azimuthal anisotropy parameter $v_2$ for pions, kaons, protons, $\Lambda$, $\bar{\Lambda}$, $\Xi+\bar{\Xi}$, and $\Omega + \bar{\Omega}$, along with $v_4$ for pions, kaons, protons, and $\Lambda + \bar{\Lambda}$ at mid-rapidity for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=62.4$ and 200 GeV. The $v_2(p_T)$ values for all hadron species at 62.4 GeV are similar to those observed in 130 and 200 GeV collisions. For observed kinematic ranges, $v_2$ values at 62.4, 130, and 200 GeV are as little as 10%--15% larger than those in Pb+Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=17.3$ GeV. At intermediate transverse momentum ($p_T$ from 1.5--5 GeV/c), the 62.4 GeV $v_2(p_T)$ and $v_4(p_T)$ values are consistent with the quark-number scaling first observed at 200 GeV. A four-particle cumulant analysis is used to assess the non-flow contributions to pions and protons and some indications are found for a smaller non-flow contribution to protons than pions. Baryon $v_2$ is larger than anti-baryon $v_2$ at 62.4 and 200 GeV perhaps indicating either that the initial spatial net-baryon distribution is anisotropic, that the mechanism leading to transport of baryon number from beam- to mid-rapidity enhances $v_2$, or that anti-baryon and baryon annihilation is larger in the in-plane direction.
Minimum-bias (0–80% of the collision cross section) v2(pT ) for identified hadrons at |η| < 1 from Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 62.4 GeV. To facilitate comparisons between panels, v2 values for inclusive charged hadrons are displayed in each panel. The error bars on the data points represent statistical uncertainties. Systematic uncertainties for the identified particles are shown as shaded bands around v2 = 0.
Minimum-bias (0–80% of the collision cross section) v2(pT ) for identified hadrons at |η| < 1 from Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 62.4 GeV. To facilitate comparisons between panels, v2 values for inclusive charged hadrons are displayed in each panel. The error bars on the data points represent statistical uncertainties. Systematic uncertainties for the identified particles are shown as shaded bands around v2 = 0.
Minimum-bias (0–80% of the collision cross section) v2(pT ) for identified hadrons at |η| < 1 from Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 62.4 GeV. To facilitate comparisons between panels, v2 values for inclusive charged hadrons are displayed in each panel. The error bars on the data points represent statistical uncertainties. Systematic uncertainties for the identified particles are shown as shaded bands around v2 = 0.
The short-lived $K(892)^{*}$ resonance provides an efficient tool to probe properties of the hot and dense medium produced in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We report measurements of $K^{*}$ in $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}$ = 200 GeV Au+Au and $p+p$ collisions reconstructed via its hadronic decay channels $K(892)^{*0} \to K\pi$ and $K(892)^{*\pm} \to K_S^0\pi^{\pm}$ using the STAR detector at RHIC. The $K^{*0}$ mass has been studied as a function of $p_T$ in minimum bias $p+p$ and central Au+Au collisions. The $K^{*}$ $p_T$ spectra for minimum bias $p+p$ interactions and for Au+Au collisions in different centralities are presented. The $K^{*}/K$ yield ratios for all centralities in Au+Au collisions are found to be significantly lower than the ratio in minimum bias $p+p$ collisions, indicating the importance of hadronic interactions between chemical and kinetic freeze-outs. A significant non-zero $K^{*0}$ elliptic flow ($v_2$) is observed in Au+Au collisions and compared to the $K_S^0$ and $\Lambda$ $v_2$. The nuclear modification factor of $K^{*}$ at intermediate $p_{T}$ is similar to that of $K_{S}^{0}$, but different from $\Lambda$. This establishes a baryon-meson effect over a mass effect in the particle production at intermediate $p_T$ ($2 < p_T \leq 4$ GeV/$c$).
$K_S^0$ signal observed in the $\pi^+\pi^−$ invariant mass distribution reconstructed from the decay topology method via $K_S^0->\pi^+\pi^−$ in $p+p$ collisions. The dashed curve depicts the Gaussian fit function plus a linear function representing the background.
The $K\pi$ invariant mass distributions after event-mixing background subtraction (open star symbols) and like-sign background subtraction with different daughter momentum cuts (0.2 < Kaon and Pion p < 10 GeV/$c$ for filled square symbols, 0.2 < Kaon $p$ < 0.7 GeV/$c$ and 0.2 < Pion $p$ < 10 GeV/$c$ for open triangle symbols) demonstrating the sources of the residual background in minimum bias Au+Au collisions. The open triangle symbols have been scaled up by a factor of 3 in order to increase the visibility. The arrow depicts the standard $K^{*0}$ mass of 896.1 MeV/$c^2$.
The $K\pi$ invariant mass distribution integrated over the $K^*$ $p_T$ for central Au+Au (upper panel) and minimum bias $p + p$ (lower panel) interactions after the mixed-event background subtraction. The solid curves are the fits to Eq. 5 with $T_{fo}$ = 120 MeV and $p_T$ = 1.8 GeV/$c$ for central Au+Au and $T_{fo}$ = 160 MeV and $p_T$ = 0.8 GeV/$c$ for p+p, respectively. The dashed lines are the linear function representing the residual background.
We present first measurements of the evolution of the differential transverse momentum correlation function, {\it C}, with collision centrality in Au+Au interactions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV. {\it C} exhibits a strong dependence on collision centrality that is qualitatively similar to that of number correlations previously reported. We use the observed longitudinal broadening of the near-side peak of {\it C} with increasing centrality to estimate the ratio of the shear viscosity to entropy density, $\eta/s$, of the matter formed in central Au+Au interactions. We obtain an upper limit estimate of $\eta/s$ that suggests that the produced medium has a small viscosity per unit entropy.
The correlation function C, C is plotted in units of (GeV/c)$^2$ and the relative azimuthal angle ∆φ in radians for 70-80% centrality in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. Relative statistical errors range from 0.8% in peripheral collisions to 0.9% in the most central collisions at the peak of the distribution.
The correlation function C, C is plotted in units of (GeV/c)$^2$ and the relative azimuthal angle ∆φ in radians for 70-80% centrality in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. Relative statistical errors range from 0.8% in peripheral collisions to 0.9% in the most central collisions at the peak of the distribution.
The correlation function C, C is plotted in units of (GeV/c)$^2$ and the relative azimuthal angle ∆φ in radians for 30-40% centrality in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. Relative statistical errors range from 0.8% in peripheral collisions to 0.9% in the most central collisions at the peak of the distribution.