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A. D. Panagiotou

Publications and source records attributed to A. D. Panagiotou.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Energy dependence of phi meson production in central Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt(s_nn) = 6 to 17 GeV

Phi meson production is studied by the NA49 Collaboration in central Pb+Pb collisions at 20A, 30A, 40A, 80A and 158A GeV beam energy. The data are compared with measurements at lower and higher energies and to microscopic and thermal models. The energy dependence of yields and spectral distributions is compatible with the assumption that partonic degrees of freedom set in at low SPS energies.

nucl-ex↗

Event-by-event transverse momentum fluctuations in nuclear collisions at CERN SPS

The latest NA49 results on event-by-event transverse momentum fluctuations are presented for central Pb+Pb interactions over the whole SPS energy range (20A - 158A GeV). Two different methods are applied: evaluating the $Φ_{p_{T}}$ fluctuation measure and studying two-particle transverse momentum correlations. The obtained results are compared to predictions of the UrQMD model. The results on the energy dependence are compared to the NA49 data on the system size dependence. The NA61 (SHINE, NA49-future) strategy of searching of the QCD critical end-point is also discussed.

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First performance studies of a prototype for the CASTOR forward calorimeter at the CMS experiment

We present results on the performance of the first prototype of the CASTOR quartz-tungsten sampling calorimeter, to be installed in the very forward region of the CMS experiment at the LHC. This study includes GEANT Monte Carlo simulations of the Cherenkov light transmission efficiency of different types of air-core light guides, as well as analysis of the calorimeter linearity and resolution as a function of energy and impact-point, obtained with 20-200 GeV electron beams from CERN/SPS tests in 2003. Several configurations of the calorimeter have been tested and compared, including different combinations of (i) structures for the active material of the calorimeter (quartz plates and fibres), (ii) various light-guide reflecting materials (glass and foil reflectors) and (iii) photodetector devices (photomultipliers and avalanche photodiodes).

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Performance Studies of Prototype II for the CASTOR forward Calorimeter at the CMS Experiment

We present results of the performance of the second prototype of the CASTOR quartz-tungsten sampling calorimeter, to be installed in the very forward region of the CMS experiment at the LHC. The energy linearity and resolution, as well as the spatial resolution of the prototype to electromagnetic and hadronic showers are studied with E=20-200 GeV electrons, E=20-350 GeV pions, and E=50,150 GeV muons from beam tests carried out at CERN/SPS in 2004. The responses of the calorimeter using two different types of photodetectors (avalanche photodiodes APDs, and photomultiplier tubes PMTs) are compared.

physics.ins-det↗

Model of Centauro and strangelet production in heavy ion collisions

We discuss the phenomenological model of Centauro event production in relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions. This model makes quantitative predictions for kinematic observables, baryon number and mass of the Centauro fireball and its decay products. Centauros decay mainly to nucleons, strange hyperons and possibly strangelets. Simulations of Centauro events for the CASTOR detector in Pb-Pb collisions at LHC energies are performed. The signatures of these events are discussed in detail.

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Heavy quark chemical potential as probe of the phase diagram of nuclear matter

We study the temperature dependence of the strange and charm quark chemical potentials in the phase diagram of nuclear matter, within a modified and generalized hadron gas model, in order to consider phase transitions and to describe phenomena taking place outside the hadronic phase. We employ, in a phenomenological way, the Polyakov loop and scalar quark condensate order parameters, mass/temperature-scaled partition functions and enforce flavor conservation. We propose that the resulting variation of the heavy quark chemical potentials can be directly related to the quark deconfinement and chiral phase transitions. Then, the chemical potential of the strange and charm quark can be considered as an experimentally accessible "order parameter", probing the phase diagram of QCD.

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CASTOR: Centauro and Strange Object Research in nucleus-nucleus collisions at LHC

We describe the CASTOR detector designed to probe the very forward, baryon-rich rapidity region in nucleus-nucleus collisions at the LHC. We present a phenomenological model describing the formation of a QGP fireball in a high baryochemical potential environment, and its subsequent decay into baryons and strangelets. The model explains Centauros and the long-penetrating component and makes predictions for the LHC. Simulations of Centauro-type events were done. To study the response of the apparatus to new effects different exotic species (DCC, Centauros, strangelets etc.) were passed through the deep calorimeter. The energy deposition pattern in the calorimeter appears to be a new clear signature of the QGP.

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A global assessment of the Strangeness including-Statistical Bootstrap Model analysis of nucleus-nucleus and proton-antiproton interactions

A strangeness and isospin asymmetry including statistical bootstrap model analysis of the multiparticle system produced in the Pb+Pb collision at 158 AGeV at CERN is presented. It is concluded that this interaction process has not crossed the deconfinenent line. Direct comparisons with the results of similar analyses pertaining to nucleus-nucleus and proton-antiproton collisions at CERN are made. The overall picture points to the S+S collision at 200 AGeV as a prime candidate of a process which has crossed the border separating the hadronic from the deconfined phase of matter.

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Statistical Bootstrap analysis of S+Ag interaction at 200AGeV: Evidence of a phase beyond the hadronic one?

A generalized Strangeness-incorporating Statistical Bootstrap Model (SSBM) is constructed so as to include indepedent fugacities for up and down quarks. Such an extension is crucial for the confrontation of multiparticle data emerging from heavy ion collisions, wherein isospin symmetry is not satisfied. Two constraints, in addition to the presence of a critical surface which sets the boundaries of the hadronic world, enter the extended model. An analysis pertaining to produced particle multiplicities and ratios is performed for the S+Ag interaction at 200 GeV/nucleon. The resulting evaluation, concerning the location of the source of the produced system, is slightly in favor the source being outside the hadronic domain.

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Formation of Centauro and Strangelets in Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions at the LHC and their Identification by the ALICE Experiment

We present a phenomenological model which describes the formation of a Centauro fireball in nucleus-nucleus interactions in the upper atmosphere and at the LHC, and its decay to non-strange baryons and Strangelets. We describe the CASTOR detector for the ALICE experiment at the LHC. CASTOR will probe, in an event-by-event mode, the very forward, baryon-rich phase space 5.6 < η< 7.2 in 5.5 A TeV central Pb + Pb collisions. We present results of simulations for the response of the CASTOR calorimeter, and in particular to the traversal of Strangelets.

hep-ph↗

CASTOR: The ALICE forward detector for identification of Centauros and Strangelets in Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions at the LHC

The physics motivation for a very forward detector for the ALICE heavy ion experiment at the CERN LHC is discussed. A phenomenological model describing the formation and decay of a Centauro fireball in nucleus-nucleus collisions is presented. The CASTOR detector which is aimed to measure the hadronic and photonic content of an interaction and to identify deeply penetrating objects in the very forward, baryon-rich phase space 5.6 < eta < 7.2 in an event-by-event mode is described. Results of simulations of the expected response of the calorimeter, and in particular to the passage of strangelets, are presented.

hep-ex↗

Probing the boundaries of the Hadronic Phase through a Strangeness including Statistical Bootstrap Model (S-SBM)

A recently constructed strangeness-including Statistical Bootstrap Model (S-SBM), which defines the limits of the hadronic phase and provides for a phase beyond, is further extended so as to include a factor that describes strangeness suppression. The model is then used to analyse the multiplicity data from collision experiments in which the colliding entities form isospin symmetric systems, the primary focus being on S+S interactions (NA35 collaboration). An optimal set of thermodynamical variables is extracted through a fit to both the inclusive full phase space and midrapidity data. The assumption that the measured particles originate from a thermally and partial-chemically equilibrated source described by the S-SBM is satisfactorily established. The proximity of the thermodynamical variables extracted from the S+S data to the limits of the hadronic phase is systematically investigated. Finally, experimental data from proton-antiproton collisions (UA5 collaboration) are similarly analysed.

hep-ph↗

An extension of the Statistical Bootstrap Model to include Strangeness. Implications on Particle Ratios

The Statistical Bootstrap Model (SBM) is extended to describe hadronic systems which carry the quantum number of strangeness. The study is conducted in the three-dimensional space of temperature, up-down and strange chemical potentials, wherein the existence of a ``critical'' surface is established, which sets the limits of the hadronic phase of matter. A second surface, defined by the null expectation value of strangeness number is also determined. The approach of the latter surface to the critical one becomes the focal point of the present considerations. Two different versions of the extended SBM are examined, corresponding to the values 2 and 4 for the exponent, which determines the asymptotic fall-off of the mass spectrum. It is found that the version with the value 4 has decisive physical advantages. This model is subsequently adopted to discuss (strange) particle ratios pertaining to multiparticle production processes, for which a thermal equilibrium mode of description applies.

hep-ph↗

An extension of the Statistical Bootstrap Model to include Strangeness

We extend the Statistical Bootstrap Model (SBM) in order to describe hadronic systems which carry strangeness. We establish that the hadronic phase can exist only in a region of the three-dimensional space of temperature, up-down and strange chemical potentials, which is bounded by a critical critical surface. We first employ the usual version of the SBM, which corresponds to the value 2 of the exponent which determines the asymptotic fall-off of the mass spectrum and impose strangeness neutrality in order to obtain the relation between the temperature and the chemical potentials of the quarks. We find an unphysical behaviour of the strange chemical potential near the critical surface. Subsequently, we study another version of SBM where the value of the exponent equals 4 and we are led to a realistic as well as acceptable behaviour. In this case we are also able to relate the parameter of the model, the critical temperature at zero strange chemical potential) with the MIT bag constant B.

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