arXiv subjects

Roy A. Lacey

Publications and source records attributed to Roy A. Lacey.

72 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2011

Initial indications for the production of a strongly coupled plasma in Pb+Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 2.76$ TeV

Results from first measurements of charged particle differential elliptic flow, obtained in Pb+Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 2.76$ TeV with the ALICE detector at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC), are compared to those obtained for Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 0.2$ TeV with the PHENIX detector at BNL's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The comparisons, made as a function of centrality (cent) or the number of participant pairs ($N_{\text{part}}$) and particle transverse momentum $p_T$, indicate an excellent agreement between the magnitude and trends for the flow coefficients ${v_2(p_T,\text{cent})}$. Analysis indicates that the averaged specific viscosity of the quark gluon plasma (QGP) produced in LHC collisions, is similar to that for the strongly coupled QGP produced in RHIC collisions.

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arXiv2011

Initial eccentricity fluctuations and their relation to higher-order flow harmonics

Monte Carlo simulations are used to compute the centrality dependence of the participant eccentricities ($ε_{n}$) in Au+Au collisions, for the two primary models currently employed for eccentricity estimates -- the Glauber and the factorized Kharzeev-Levin-Nardi (fKLN) models. They suggest specific testable predictions for the magnitude and centrality dependence of the flow coefficients $v_n$, respectively measured relative to the event planes $Ψ_n$. They also indicate that the ratios of several of these coefficients may provide an additional constraint for distinguishing between the models. Such a constraint could be important for a more precise determination of the specific viscosity of the matter produced in heavy ion collisions.

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arXiv2010

A new method for the experimental study of topological effects in the quark-gluon plasma

A new method is presented for the quantitative measurement of charge separation about the reaction plane. A correlation function is obtained whose shape is concave when there is a net separation of positive and negative charges. Correlations not specifically associated with charge, from flow, jets and momentum conservation, do not influence the shape or magnitude of the correlation function. Detailed simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method for the quantitative measurement of charge separation. Such measurements are a pre-requisite to the investigation of topological charge effects in the QGP as derived from the "strong $\cal{CP}$ problem".

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arXiv2010

Azimuthal anisotropy: transition from hydrodynamic flow to jet suppression

Measured 2nd and 4th azimuthal anisotropy coefficients v_{2,4}(N_{part}), p_T) are scaled with the initial eccentricity \varepsilon_{2,4}(N_{part}) of the collision zone and studied as a function of the number of participants N_{part} and the transverse momenta p_T. Scaling violations are observed for $p_T \alt 3$ GeV/c, consistent with a $p_T^2$ dependence of viscous corrections and a linear increase of the relaxation time with $p_T$. These empirical viscous corrections to flow and the thermal distribution function at freeze-out constrain estimates of the specific viscosity and the freeze-out temperature for two different models for the initial collision geometry. The apparent viscous corrections exhibit a sharp maximum for $p_T \agt 3$ GeV/c, suggesting a breakdown of the hydrodynamic ansatz and the onset of a change from flow-driven to suppression-driven anisotropy.

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arXiv2010

Constraints on models for the initial collision geometry in ultra relativistic heavy ion collisions

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are used to compute the centrality dependence of the collision zone eccentricities ($ε_{2,4}$), for both spherical and deformed ground state nuclei, for different model scenarios. Sizable model dependent differences are observed. They indicate that measurements of the $2^{\text{nd}}$ and $4^{\text{th}}$ order Fourier flow coefficients $v_{2,4}$, expressed as the ratio $\frac{v_4}{(v_2)^2}$, can provide robust constraints for distinguishing between different theoretical models for the initial-state eccentricity. Such constraints could remove one of the largest impediments to a more precise determination of the specific viscosity from precision $v_{2,4}$ measurements at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC).

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arXiv2009

Methodology for the study of modified jet-like topologies in heavy ion collisions via three particle correlation functions

Methodology is presented for analysis of three-particle correlation functions obtained in heavy ion collisions at ultra-relativistic energies. We show that harmonic correlations can be removed and jet driven correlations reliably extracted. Results from detailed Monte Carlo simulations are used to demonstrate the efficacy of this technique for the study of modifications to away-side jet topologies. Such modifications are an essential probe of the properties of the quark gluon plasma produced in heavy ion collisions.

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arXiv2009

Scaling patterns of the suppression of $π^0$ yields in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV: links to the transport properties of the QGP

Suppression measurements for neutral pions ($π^0$) are used to investigate the predicted path length ($L$) and transverse momentum ($p_T$) dependent jet quenching patterns of the hot QCD medium produced in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV. The observed scaling patterns show the predicted trends for jet-medium interactions dominated by radiative energy loss. They also allow simple estimates of the transport coefficient $\hat{q}$ and the ratio of viscosity to entropy density $η/s$. These estimates indicate that the short mean free path ($λ$) in the QCD medium leading to hydrodynamic-like flow with a small value of $η/s$, is also responsible for the strong suppression observed.

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arXiv2009

Energy loss for heavy quarks in relation to light partons; is radiative energy loss for heavy quarks anomalous?

The scaling properties of jet suppression measurements are compared for non-photonic electrons ($e^{\pm}$) and neutral pions ($π^0$) in Au + Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV. For a broad range of transverse momenta and collision centralities, the comparison is consistent with jet quenching dominated by radiative energy loss for both heavy and light partons. Less quenching is indicated for heavy quarks via $e^{\pm}$; this gives an independent estimate of the transport coefficient $\hat{q}$ that agrees with its magnitude obtained from quenching of light partons via $π^0$'s.

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arXiv2009

Is the quark gluon plasma produced in RHIC collisions strongly coupled?

Recent hexadecapole (v4) and elliptic (v2) flow measurements are used to constrain estimates for the degree of local equilibrium, mean free path $λ$, and the viscosity to entropy density ratio (eta/s) of the plasma produced in Au+Au collisions at RootS = 200 GeV. The eccentricity-scaled flow coefficients v2/e2 and v4/e4 indicate that the plasma achieves a degree of local equilibrium within 5 - 10% of the value expected for a fluid with eta/s equal to the conjectured lower bound of 1/4pi. Estimates for $λ$ and eta/s as a function of collision centrality and particle transverse momentum pT, points to transverse expansion dynamics compatible with a strongly coupled low viscosity plasma.

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arXiv2008

An estimate for the location of QCD critical end point

It is proposed that a study of the ratio of shear viscosity to entropy density $\fracη{s}$ as a function of the baryon chemical potential $μ_B$, and temperature T, provides a dynamic probe for the critical end point (CEP) in hot and dense QCD matter. An initial estimate from an elliptic flow excitation function gives $μ^{\text{cep}}_B \sim 150-180$ MeV and $T_{\text{cep}} \sim 165 - 170$ MeV for the location of the the CEP. These values place the CEP in the range for "immediate" validation at RHIC.

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arXiv2008

PHENIX measurements of 3D emission source functions in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV

A state-of-the-art 3D source imaging technique is used to extract the 3D two-pion source function in central and mid-central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 200$ GeV. The source function indicates a previously unresolved non-Gaussian tail in the directions of the pion pair transverse momentum (out) and along the beam (long). Model comparisons give robust estimates for several characteristics of the emission source, including its transverse size, its mean proper breakup time $τ$ and its emission duration $Δτ$. These estimates are incompatible with the predictions for a first order phase transition. However, they point to significant relative emission times which could result from a crossover phase transition.

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arXiv2007

Has the QCD Critical Point been Signaled by Observations at RHIC ?

The shear viscosity to entropy ratio ($η/s$) is estimated for the hot and dense QCD matter created in Au+Au collisions at RHIC ($\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV). A very low value is found $η/s \sim 0.1$, which is close to the conjectured lower bound ($1/4π$). It is argued that such a low value is indicative of thermodynamic trajectories for the decaying matter which lie close to the QCD critical end point.

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arXiv2007

Recent results for source function imaging from AGS through CERN SPS to RHIC

Recent femtoscopic measurements involving the use of an imaging technique and a newly developed moment analysis are presented and discussed. We show that this new paradigm allows robust investigation of reaction dynamics for which the sound speed $c_s \neq 0$ during an extended hadronization period. Source functions extracted for charged pions produced in Au+Au and Pb+Pb collisions show non-Gaussian tails for a broad selection of collision energies. The ratio of the RMS radii of these source functions in the out and side directions are found to be greater than 1, suggesting a finite emission time for pions.

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arXiv2006

What do elliptic flow measurements tell us about the matter created in the little Bang at RHIC?

Elliptic flow measurements are presented and discussed with emphasis on the hydrodynamic character of the hot and dense QCD matter created in heavy ion collisions at RHIC. Predictions from perfect fluid hydrodynamics for the scaling of the elliptic flow coefficient $v_2$ with eccentricity, system size and transverse energy are validated. A universal scaling for the flow of both mesons and baryons is observed for a broad transverse kinetic energy range when quark number scaling is employed. This suggests a new state of nuclear matter at extremely high density and temperature whose primary constituents have the quantum numbers of quarks and anti-quarks in chemical equilibrium. The scaled flow is used to constrain estimates for several transport coefficients including the sound speed $c_s$, shear viscosity to entropy ratio $η/s$, diffusion coefficient ($D_c$) and sound attenuation length ($Γ$). The estimated value $η/s \sim 0.1$, is close to the absolute lower bound ($1/4π$), and may signal thermodynamic trajectories for the decaying matter which lie close to the QCD critical end point.

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arXiv2005

The role of elliptic flow correlations in the discovery of the sQGP at RHIC

Flow measurements are reviewed with particular emphasis on the hydrodynamic character of elliptic flow at RHIC. Hydrodynamic scaling compatible with the production of highly thermalized matter having a high degree of collective interactions and extremely low viscosity, is observed for a broad selection of the data. These properties suggest the production of a new state of strongly interacting nuclear matter at extremely high density and temperature where the relevant degrees of freedom are those of quarks and gluons, ie. the sQGP.

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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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arXiv2001

Elliptic Flow Measurements with the PHENIX Detector

Two particle azimuthal correlation functions are presented for charged hadrons produced in Au+Au collisions at RHIC ($\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=130$ GeV). The measurements allow for the determination of elliptic flow without event-by-event estimation of the reaction plane. The measured correlation functions indicate elliptic flow values ($v_2$) which show significant sensitivity to both the collision centrality and the transverse momenta of emitted hadrons.

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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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