arXiv subjects

J. M. Alexander

Publications and source records attributed to J. M. Alexander.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2005

Multiparticle angular correlations: a probe for the sQGP at RHIC

A novel decomposition technique is used to extract the centrality dependence of di-jet properties and yields from azimuthal correlation functions obtained in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}}$=200 GeV. The width of the near-side jet shows very little dependence on centrality. In contrast, the away-side jet indicates substantial broadening as well as hints for for a local minimum at $Δϕ=π$ for central and mid-central events. The yield of jet-pairs (per trigger particle) slowly increases with centrality for both the near- and away-side jets. These observed features are compatible with several recent theoretical predictions of possible modifications of di-jet fragmentation by a strongly interacting medium. Several new experimental approaches, including the study of flavor permutation and higher order multi-particle correlations, that might help to distinguish between different theoretical scenarios are discussed.

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arXiv2005

Decomposition of Harmonic and Jet Contributions to Particle-pair Correlations at Ultra-relativistic Energies

Methodology is presented for analysis of two-particle azimuthal angle correlation functions obtained in collisions at ultra-relativistic energies. We show that harmonic and di-jet contributions to these correlation functions can be reliably decomposed by two techniques to give an accurate measurement of the jet-pair distribution. Results from detailed Monte Carlo simulations are used to demonstrate the efficacy of these techniques in the study of possible modifications to jet topologies in heavy ion reactions.

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arXiv2004

Xi production at AGS energies

A relativistic transport model is used to study Xi- production in 2-11A GeV Au+Au collisions. Introducing the strangeness-exchange reactions between antikaons and hyperons as the sources for Xi-, we find that the cascade yield in these collisions is in reasonable agreement with the data. Although the Xi- abundance does not reach chemical equilibrium unless the cross section for strangeness-exchange reactions is enhanced by six times, it exhibits the strongest enhancement with increasing centrality of collision and with increasing beam energy.

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arXiv2003

Near-threshold production of the multi-strange $Ξ^-$ hyperon

The yield for the multi-strange $Ξ^{-}$ hyperon has been measured in 6 AGeV Au+Au collisions via reconstruction of its decay products $π^{-}$ and $Λ$, the latter also being reconstructed from its daughter tracks of $π^{-}$ and p. The measurement is rather close to the threshold for $Ξ^{-}$ production and therefore provides an important test of model predictions. The measured yield for $Ξ^{-}$ and $Λ$ are compared for several centralities. In central collisions the $Ξ^{-}$ yield is found to be in excellent agreement with statistical and transport model predictions, suggesting that multi-strange hadron production approaches chemical equilibrium in high baryon density nuclear matter.

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arXiv2003

Comparison of Source Images for protons, $π^-$'s and $Λ$'s in 6 AGeV Au+Au collisions

Source images are extracted from two-particle correlations constructed from strange and non-strange hadrons produced in 6 AGeV Au + Au collisions. Very different source images result from pp vs p$Λ$ vs $π^-π^-$ correlations. These observations suggest important differences in the space-time emission histories for protons, pions and neutral strange baryons produced in the same events.

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arXiv2002

Longitudinal Flow of Protons from 2-8 AGeV Central Au+Au Collisions

Rapidity distributions of protons from central $^{197}$Au + $^{197}$Au collisions measured by the E895 Collaboration in the energy range from 2 to 8 AGeV at the Brookhaven AGS are presented. Longitudinal flow parameters derived using a thermal model including collective longitudinal expansion are extracted from these distributions. The results show an approximately linear increase in the longitudinal flow velocity, $<βγ>_{L}$, as a function of the logarithm of beam energy.

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arXiv2001

Laying the groundwork at the AGS: Recent results from experiment E895

The E895 Collaboration at the Brookhaven AGS has performed a systematic investigation of Au+Au collisions at 2-8 AGeV, using a large-acceptance Time Projection Chamber. In addition to extensive measurements of particle flow, spectra, two-particle interferometry, and strangeness production, we have performed novel hybrid analyses, including azimuthally-sensitive pion HBT, extraction of the six-dimensional pion phasespace density, and a first measurement of the Lambda-proton correlation function.

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arXiv2001

Anti-flow of K$^0_s$ Mesons in 6 AGeV Au + Au Collisions

We have measured the sideward flow of neutral strange ($K^0_s$) mesons in 6 AGeV Au + Au collisions. A prominent anti-flow signal is observed for an impact parameter range (b $\lesssim 7$ fm) which spans central and mid-central events. Since the $K^0_s$ scattering cross section is relatively small in nuclear matter, this observation suggests that the in-medium kaon vector potential plays an important role in high density nuclear matter.

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arXiv2001

Directed Flow of $Λ$-Hyperons in 2-6 AGeV Au+Au Collisions

Directed flow measurements for $Λ$-hyperons are presented and compared to those for protons produced in the same Au+Au collisions (2, 4, and 6 AGeV; $b < 5 - 6$ fm). The measurements indicate that $Λ$-hyperons flow consistently in the same direction and with smaller magnitudes than those of protons. Such a strong positive flow [for $Λ$s] has been predicted in calculations which include the influence of the $Λ$-nucleon potential. The experimental flow ratio $Λ$/p is in qualitative agreement with expectations ($\sim 2/3$) from the quark counting rule at 2 AGeV but is found to decrease with increasing beam energy.

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arXiv2000

Azimuthal Dependence of Pion Interferometry at the AGS

Two-pion correlation functions, measured as a function of azimuthal emission angle with respect to the reaction plane, provide novel information on the anisotropic shape and orientation of the pion-emitting zone formed in heavy ion collisions. We present the first experimental determination of this information, for semi-central Au+Au collisions at 2-6 AGeV. The source extension perpendicular to the reaction plane is greater than the extension in the plane, and tilt of the pion source in coordinate space is found to be opposite its tilt in momentum space.

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arXiv1998

Disappearance of Elliptic Flow: A New Probe for the Nuclear Equation of State

Using a relativistic hadron transport model, we investigate the utility of the elliptic flow excitation function as a probe for the stiffness of nuclear matter and for the onset of a possible quark-gluon-plasma (QGP) phase-transition at AGS energies 1 < E_Beam < 11 AGeV. The excitation function shows a strong dependence on the nuclear equation of state, and exhibits characteristic signatures which could signal the onset of a phase transition to the QGP.

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arXiv1996

The Evolution of Nuclear Multifragmentation in the Temperature-Density Plane

The mean transverse kinetic energies of the fragments formed in the interaction of 1 A GeV Au+C have been determined. An energy balance argument indicates the presence of a collective energy which increases in magnitude with increasing multiplicity and accounts for nearly half of the measured mean transverse kinetic energy. The radial flow velocity associated with the collective energy yields estimates for the time required to expand to the freeze-out volume. Isentropic trajectories in the temperature-density plane are shown for the expansion and indicate that the system goes through the critical region at the same multiplicities as deduced from a statistical analysis. Here, the expansion time is approximately 70 fm/c.

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