arXiv subjects

Johann Rafelski

Publications and source records attributed to Johann Rafelski.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

arXiv2005

Particle multiplicities and fluctuations in 200 GeV Au-Au collisions

We use the statistical hadronization model (SHM) to describe hadron multiplicity yields and fluctuations. We consider 200 GeV Au-Au collisions, and show that both event averaged yields of stable particles and resonances, and event-by-event fluctuation of the $K/π$ ratio can be described within the SHM using the same set of thermal parameters, provided that the phase space occupancy parameter value is significantly above chemical equilibrium, and the freeze-out temperature is $\sim 140$ MeV. We present predictions that allow to test the consistency of our results.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2005

Soft Hadron Ratios at the LHC

High precision soft hadron abundance data produced in relativistic nuclear collisions at LHC at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}\le 5500$ GeV will become available beginning in 2007/8. We explore, within the statistical hadronization model, how these results can help us understand the properties of the deconfined quark--gluon phase at its breakup. We make assumptions about the physical properties of the fireball and obtain particle production predictions. Then, we develop a strategy to measure parameters of interest, such as strangeness occupancy $γ_s$, chemical potentials $μ_{\rm B}$ and $μ_{\rm S}$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

Constraining freeze-out with yields and fluctuations

We show that the simultaneous measurement of yields and fluctuations in heavy ion collisions is capable of falsifying and constraining the statistical hadronization model. We show how such a measurement can test for chemical non-equilibrium, and distinguish between a high temperature chemically equilibrated freeze-out from a supercooled freeze-out with an over-saturated phase space. We further explain how this measurement can be used to obtain a model-independent estimate of the effect of post-freezeout hadronic interactions.

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arXiv2005

A statistical model analysis of yields and fluctuations in 200 GeV Au-Au collisions

We show that the simultaneous measurement of yields and fluctuations is capable of falsifying and constraining the statistical hadronization model. We show how such a measurement can test for chemical non-equilibrium, and distinguish between a high temperature chemically equilibrated freeze-out from a supercooled freeze-out with an over-saturated phase space. We perform a fit, and show that both yields and fluctuations measured at RHIC 200 GeV can be accounted for within the second scenario, with both the light and strange quark phase space saturated significantly above detailed balance. We point to the simultaneous fit of the $K/π$ fluctuation and the $K^*/K^-$ ratio as evidence that the effect of hadronic re-interactions after freeze-out is small.

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arXiv2005

Centrality dependence of strangeness and (anti)hyperon production at BNL RHIC

We evaluate strangeness produced in Au--Au interactions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=200$ GeV, as function of reaction participant number $A$, and obtain the relative strange quark content at hadronization. Strange baryon and antibaryon rapidity density yields are studied, relative to, and as function of, participant number, and produced hadron yields.

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arXiv2005

Centrality Dependence of Bulk Fireball Properties at RHIC

We explore the centrality dependence of properties of the dense hadronic matter created in \sqrt{s_{NN}}=200 GeV Au--Au collisions at RHIC. Using the statistical hadronization model we fit particle yields known for 11 centrality bins. We present the resulting model parameters, rapidity yields of physical quantities and the physical properties of bulk matter at hadronization as function of centrality. We discuss the production of strangeness and entropy.

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arXiv2005

Strangeness and the discovery of quark-gluon plasma

Strangeness flavor yield s and the entropy yield S are the observables of the deconfined quark-gluon state of matter which can be studied in the entire available experimental energy range at AGS, SPS, RHIC, and, in near future, at the LHC energy range. We present here a comprehensive analysis of strange, soft hadron production as function of energy and reaction volume. We discuss the physical properties of the final state and argue how evidence about the primordial QGP emerges.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2005

Deconfinement energy threshold: analysis of hadron yields at 11.6 A GeV

We analyze the hadron yields obtained at the AGS in the range 11--11.6 A GeV and discuss strategies to identify possible deconfinement at this energy scale. These include consideration of chemical nonequilibrium at hadronization, and the study of (multi)strange hadrons. We find that the totality of experimental results available favors the interpretation as hadron freeze-out at the phase boundary between confined and deconfined phase.

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arXiv2005

Hadronization and Quark Probes of Deconfinement at RHIC

We discuss experimental features of identified particle production from nucleus-nucleus collisions. These features reflect hadronization from a deconfined partonic matter whose particle formation scheme is distinctly different from fragmentation phenomenology in elementary collisions. Multi-parton dynamics, such as quark coalescences or recombinations, appear to be essential to explain the experimental measurements at the intermediate transverse momentum of 2--5 GeV/c. Constituent quarks seem to be the dominant degrees of freedom at hadronization. Heavy quark production should help quantify deconfined matter properties.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

Statistical hadronization with resonances

We introduce the equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical hadronization picture of particle production in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions. We describe the related physical reaction scenarios, and show how these can lead to quark pair yield non-equilibrium. Using the SHARE1.2 program suite we quantitatively model particle yields and ratios for RHIC-130 run. We study how experimental particle ratios can differentiate between model scenarios, and discuss in depth the importance of hadronic resonances in understanding of hadron production processes.

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arXiv2004

Hadron resonance probes of QGP

We discuss the indirect and direct role of the short-lived resonances as probes of QGP freeze-out process. The indirect effect is the distortion of stable single particle yields and spectra by contributions of decaying resonances, which alter significantly the parameters obtained in fits to experimental data. We than discuss the direct observation of short-lived resonances as a probe of post-hadronization dynamics allowing to distinguish between different hadronization models.

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arXiv2004

Multiplicities and bulk thermodynamic quantities at \mathversion{bold}{$\sqrt{s_{NN}}=130$} GeV with SHARE

We introduce the Statistical Hadronization with Resonances (SHARE) suite of programs and perform a study of particle multiplicities as well as bulk thermodynamic quantities for the RHIC Au--Au reactions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=130$ GeV. We also show that the statistical hadronization model, with parameters fitted to match pion, proton and hyperon ratios, in turn correctly and consistently reproduces rapidity particle multiplicity.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2004

SHARE: Statistical Hadronization with Resonances

SHARE is a collection of programs designed for the statistical analysis of particle production in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. With the physical input of intensive statistical parameters, it generates the ratios of particle abundances. The program includes cascade decays of all confirmed resonances from the Particle Data Tables. The complete treatment of these resonances has been known to be a crucial factor behind the success of the statistical approach. An optional feature implemented is a Breit--Wigner type distribution for strong resonances. An interface for fitting the parameters of the model to the experimental data is provided.

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arXiv2003

Strangeness Excitation Function in Heavy Ion Collisions

We study as function of energy strangeness created in relativistic heavy ion collisions. We consider statistical hadronization with chemical freeze-out in both equilibrium and nonequilibrium. We obtain strangeness per baryon and per entropy in the energy range $8.75\lessim\sqrt{s_{NN}}\lessim 200 A$ GeV. A baryon density independent evaluation of the kaon to pion ratio is presented.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2003

Statistical Hadronization probed by resonances

We study to what extent a measurement of the $m_\bot$ spectra for hadrons and their resonances can resolve ambiguities in statistical model description of particle production. We describe in quantitative analysis how physical assumptions about the freeze-out geometry and dynamics influence the particle spectra. Considering ratios of $m_\bot$ distribution of resonance-particle ratios (such as $K^*/K$, $Σ^*/Λ, η'/η$) we observe significant sensitivity to fireball freeze-out geometry and flow dynamics.

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arXiv2003

A comparison of statistical hadronization models

We investigate the sensitivity of fits of hadron spectra produced in heavy ion collisions to the choice of statistical hadronization model. We start by giving an overview of statistical model ambiguities, and what they tell us about freeze-out dynamics. We then use Montecarlo generated data to determine sensitivity to model choice. We fit the statistical hadronization models under consideration to RHIC data, and find that a comparison $χ^2$ fits can shed light on some presently contentious questions.

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arXiv2003

Limit on Quark-Antiquark Mass Difference from the Neutral Kaon System

We quantify the limits on quark-antiquark mass differences imposed by the neutral kaon mass system. In particular, we find that an upper limit to the mass difference of 10^{-3} eV exists if mass differences across quark flavors are uncorrelated. In the upcoming antihydrogen experiments this limit on quark mass difference would allow a measurement of electron-positron mass difference up to a relative precision level of 10^{-15}.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2003

Hadronization of the Quark Universe

We explore quantitatively the conditions in which matter (protons, neutrons) formed in the Early Universe during a period which spanned 10--50mus. We obtain all chemical potentials implied by the present day baryon-to-photon ratio. The baryochemical potential reaches its minimal value at the beginning of hadronization of the quark Universe, where mu_b=1.1 \pm 0.25 eV. In the mixed hadron-quark phase, a significant hadron sector electric charge distillation is found.

astro-ph↗