Systematic analysis of identified-hadron $\bf p_t$ spectra from 13 TeV p-p collisions

Abstract

Identified-hadron (PID) $p_t$ spectra from 13 TeV $p$-$p$ collisions are compared with a two-component (soft+hard) model (TCM) that accurately distinguishes jet-related hadron production (hard component) from nonjet projectile-nucleon dissociation (soft component). The present $p$-$p$ study is similar to and is guided by recent TCM studies of PID spectra from 5 TeV $p$-Pb collisions. The combined analyses serve to establish a well-understood quantitative description of PID hadron production in small collision systems as a control experiment. The control can then be contrasted with conventional interpretations of collision data from more-central A-A collisions as indicating formation of a quark-gluon plasma (QGP). PID $p_t$ spectra from 13 TeV $p$-$p$ collisions exhibit simple consistency with spectra from 5 TeV $p$-Pb collisions. Hadron species abundances are consistent with statistical-model trends predicted prior to commencement of the large hadron collider program. Differential spectrum structure and various ratio measures are quantitatively explained by the TCM, including its jet contribution, and admit no room for claims of hydrodynamic flows in small collision systems.