arXiv subjects

S. Heppelmann

Publications and source records attributed to S. Heppelmann.

106 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Anomalous centrality evolution of two-particle angular correlations from Au-Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 62 and 200 GeV

We present two-dimensional (2D) two-particle angular correlations on relative pseudorapidity $η$ and azimuth $ϕ$ for charged particles from Au-Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 62$ and 200 GeV with transverse momentum $p_t \geq 0.15$ GeV/$c$, $|η| \leq 1$ and $2π$ azimuth. Observed correlations include a {same-side} (relative azimuth $< π/2$) 2D peak, a closely-related away-side azimuth dipole, and an azimuth quadrupole conventionally associated with elliptic flow. The same-side 2D peak and away-side dipole are explained by semihard parton scattering and fragmentation (minijets) in proton-proton and peripheral nucleus-nucleus collisions. Those structures follow N-N binary-collision scaling in Au-Au collisions until mid-centrality where a transition to a qualitatively different centrality trend occurs within a small centrality interval. Above the transition point the number of same-side and away-side correlated pairs increases rapidly {relative to} binary-collision scaling, the $η$ width of the same-side 2D peak also increases rapidly ($η$ elongation) and the $ϕ$ width actually decreases significantly. Those centrality trends are more remarkable when contrasted with expectations of jet quenching in a dense medium. Observed centrality trends are compared to {\sc hijing} predictions and to the expected trends for semihard parton scattering and fragmentation in a thermalized opaque medium. We are unable to reconcile a semihard parton scattering and fragmentation origin for the observed correlation structure and centrality trends with heavy ion collision scenarios which invoke rapid parton thermalization. On the other hand, if the collision system is effectively opaque to few-GeV partons the observations reported here would be inconsistent with a minijet picture.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2011

Measurement of the $W \to e ν$ and $Z/γ^* \to e^+e^-$ Production Cross Sections at Mid-rapidity in Proton-Proton Collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 500 GeV

We report measurements of the charge-separated $W^{+(-)} \to e^{+(-)} + ν_e(\barν_e)$ and $Z/γ^* \to e^+e^-$ production cross sections at mid-rapidity in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 500 GeV. These results are based on 13.2 pb$^{-1}$ of data recorded in 2009 by the STAR detector at RHIC. Production cross sections for W bosons that decay via the $e ν$ channel were measured to be $σ(pp \to W^+ X) \cdot BR(W^+ \to e^+ ν_e)$ = 117.3 \pm 5.9(stat) \pm 6.2(syst) \pm 15.2(lumi) pb, and $σ(pp \to W^- X) \cdot BR(W^- \to e^- \barν_e)$ = 43.3 \pm 4.6(stat) \pm 3.4(syst) \pm 5.6(lumi) pb. For $Z/γ^*$ production, $σ(pp \to Z/γ^* X) \cdot BR(Z/γ^* \to e^+ e^-)$ = 7.7 \pm 2.1(stat) $^{+0.5}_{-0.9}$(syst) \pm 1.0(lumi) pb for di-lepton invariant masses $m_{e^+e^-}$ between 70 and 110 GeV/$c^2$. First measurements of the W cross section ratio, $σ(pp \to W^+ X) / σ(pp \to W^- X)$, at $\sqrt{s}$ = 500 GeV are also reported. Theoretical predictions, calculated using recent parton distribution functions, are found to agree with the measured cross sections.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2011

Energy and system-size dependence of two- and four-particle $v_2$ measurements in heavy-ion collisions at RHIC and their implications on flow fluctuations and nonflow

We present STAR measurements of azimuthal anisotropy by means of the two- and four-particle cumulants $v_2$ ($v_2\{2\}$ and $v_2\{4\}$) for Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at center of mass energies $\sqrt{s_{_{\mathrm{NN}}}} = 62.4$ and 200 GeV. The difference between $v_2\{2\}^2$ and $v_2\{4\}^2$ is related to $v_{2}$ fluctuations ($σ_{v_2}$) and nonflow $(δ_{2})$. We present an upper limit to $σ_{v_2}/v_{2}$. Following the assumption that eccentricity fluctuations $σ_ε$ dominate $v_2$ fluctuations $\frac{σ_{v_2}}{v_2} \approx \frac{σ_ε}ε$ we deduce the nonflow implied for several models of eccentricity fluctuations that would be required for consistency with $v_2\{2\}$ and $v_2\{4\}$. We also present results on the ratio of $v_2$ to eccentricity.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2005

Future of low-x forward physics at RHIC

The rapidity dependence of inclusive and coincident particle production in d(p)+Au collisions at RHIC can be used to probe nuclear parton distribution functions down to small momentum fractions where theory anticipates that parton saturation could be present. This paper describes how such experiments could be completed.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2004

Nuclear Transparency in 90 Degree c.m. Quasielastic A(p,2p) Reactions

We summarize the results of two experimental programs at the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron of BNL to measure the nuclear transparency of nuclei measured in the A(p,2p) quasielastic scattering process near 90 Deg .in the pp center of mass. The incident momenta varied from 5.9 to 14.4 GeV/c, corresponding to 4.8 < Q^2 < 12.7 (GeV/c)^2. First, we describe the measurements with the newer experiment, E850, which had more complete kinematic definition of quasielastic events. In E850 the angular dependence of the nuclear transparency near 90 Deg. c.m., and the nuclear transparency for deuterons was studied. Second, we review the techniques used in an earlier experiment, E834, and show that the two experiments are consistent for the Carbon data. E834 also determines the nuclear transparencies for Li, Al, Cu, and Pb nuclei as well as for C. We find for both E850 and E834 that the A(p,2p) nuclear transparency, unlike that for A(e,e'p) nuclear transparency, is incompatible with a constant value versus energy as predicted by Glauber calculations. The A(p,2p) nuclear transparency for C and Al increases by a factor of two between 5.9 and 9.5 GeV/c incident proton momentum. At its peak the A(p,2p) nuclear transparency is about 80% of the constant A(e,e'p) nuclear transparency. Then the nuclear transparency falls back to the Glauber level again. This oscillating behavior is generally interpreted as an interplay between two components of the pN scattering amplitude; one short ranged and perturbative, and the other long ranged and strongly absorbed in the nuclear medium. We suggest a number of experiments for further studies of nuclear transparency effects.

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arXiv2003

Wave packet construction in two-dimensional quantum billiards: Blueprints for the square, equilateral triangle, and circular cases

We present quasi-analytical and numerical calculations of Gaussian wave packet solutions of the Schrödinger equation for two-dimensional infinite well and quantum billiard problems with equilateral triangle, square, and circular footprints. These cases correspond to N=3, N=4, and $N \to \infty$ regular polygonal billiards and infinite wells, respectively. In each case the energy eigenvalues and wavefunctions are given in terms of familiar special functions. For the first two systems, we obtain closed form expressions for the expansion coefficients for localized Gaussian wavepackets in terms of the eigenstates of the particular geometry. For the circular case, we discuss numerical approaches. We use these results to discuss the short-time, quasi-classical evolution in these geometries and the structure of wave packet revivals. We also show how related half-well problems can be easily solved in each of the three cases.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

Quantum wave packet revivals in circular billiards

We examine the long-term time-dependence of Gaussian wave packets in a circular infinite well (billiard) system and find that there are approximate revivals. For the special case of purely $m=0$ states (central wave packets with no momentum) the revival time is $T_{rev}^{(m=0)} = 8μR^2/\hbar π$, where $μ$ is the mass of the particle, and the revivals are almost exact. For all other wave packets, we find that $T_{rev}^{(m \neq 0)} = (π^2/2) T_{rev}^{(m=0)} \approx 5T_{rev}^{(m=0)}$ and the nature of the revivals becomes increasingly approximate as the average angular momentum or number of $m \neq 0$ states is/are increased. The dependence of the revival structure on the initial position, energy, and angular momentum of the wave packet and the connection to the energy spectrum is discussed in detail. The results are also compared to two other highly symmetrical 2D infinite well geometries with exact revivals, namely the square and equilateral triangle billiards. We also show explicitly how the classical periodicity for closed orbits in a circular billiard arises from the energy eigenvalue spectrum, using a WKB analysis.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2002

n-p Short-Range Correlations from (p,2p + n) Measurements

We studied the $^{12}$C(p,2p+n) reaction at beam momenta of 5.9, 8.0 and 9.0 GeV/c. For quasielastic (p,2p) events we reconstructed {\bf p_f} the momentum of the knocked-out proton before the reaction; {\bf p_f} was then compared (event-by-event) with {\bf p_n}, the measured, coincident neutron momentum. For $|p_n|$ > k$_F$ = 0.220 GeV/c (the Fermi momentum) a strong back-to-back directional correlation between {\bf p_f} and {\bf p_n} was observed, indicative of short-range n-p correlations. From {\bf p_n} and {\bf p_f} we constructed the distributions of c.m. and relative motion in the longitudinal direction for correlated pairs. After correcting for detection efficiency, flux attenuation and solid angle, we determined that 49 $\pm$ 13 % of events with $|p_f|$ > k_F had directionally correlated neutrons with $|p_n|$ > k$_F$. Thus short-range 2N correlations are a major source of high-momentum nucleons in nuclei.

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arXiv2001

Energy Dependence of Nuclear Transparency in C(p,2p) Scattering

The transparency of carbon for (p,2p) quasi-elastic events was measured at beam energies ranging from 6 to 14.5 GeV at 90 degrees c.m. The four momentum transfer squared q*q ranged from 4.8 to 16.9 (GeV/c)**2. We present the observed energy dependence of the ratio of the carbon to hydrogen cross sections. We also apply a model for the nuclear momentum distribution of carbon to normalize this transparency ratio. We find a sharp rise in transparency as the beam energy is increased to 9 GeV and a reduction to approximately the Glauber level at higher energies.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2000

A New Measurement of the Energy Dependence of Nuclear Transparency for Large Momentum Transfer 12C(p,2p) Scattering

We present a new measurement of the energy dependence of nuclear transparency from AGS experiment E850, performed using the EVA solenoidal spectrometer, upgraded since 1995. Using a secondary beam from the AGS accelerator, we simultaneously measured $pp$ elastic scattering from hydrogen and $(p,2p)$ quasi-elastic scattering in carbon at incoming momenta of 5.9, 8.0, 9.0, 11.7 and 14.4 GeV/c. This incident momentum range corresponds to a $Q^{2}$ region between 4.8 and 12.7 (GeV/c)$^{2}$. The detector allowed us to do a complete kinematic analysis for the center-of-mass polar angles in the range $85^{\circ}-90^{\circ}$. We report on the measured variation of the nuclear transparency with energy and compare the new results with previous measurements.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2000

Longitudinal Momentum Fraction X_L for Two High P_t Protons in pp->ppX Reaction

We present an analysis of new data from Experiment E850 at BNL. We have characterized the inclusive cross section near the endpoint for pp exclusive scattering in Hydrogen and in Carbon with incident beam energy of 6 GeV. We select events with a pair of back-to-back hadrons at large transverse momentum. These cross sections are parameterized with a form $\frac{d σ}{d X_{L}}$ $\sim(1-X_{L})^{p}$, where ${X_{L}}$ is the ratio of the longitudinal momentum of the observed pair to the total incident beam momentum. Small value of $p$ may suggest that the number of partons participating in the reaction is large and reaction has a strong dependence on the center-of-mass energy. We also discuss nuclear effects observed in our kinematic region.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2000

n-p Short-Range Correlations from (p,2p + n) Measurements

Recently, a new technique for measuring short-range NN correlations in nuclei (NN SRCs) was reported by the E850 collaboration, using data from the EVA spectrometer at the AGS at Brookhaven Nat. Lab. In this talk, we will report on a larger set of data from new measurement by the collaboration, utilizing the same technique. This technique is based on a very simple kinematic approach. For quasi-elastic knockout of protons from a nucleus ($^{12}$C(p,2p) was used for the current work), we can reconstruct the momentum {\bf p$_f$} of the struck proton in the nucleus before the reaction, from the three momenta of the two detected protons, {\bf p$_1$} and {\bf p$_2$} and the three momentum of the incident proton, {\bf p$_0$} : {\bf p$_f$} = {\bf p$_1$} + {\bf p$_2$} - {\bf p$_0$} If there are significant n-p SRCs, then we would expect to find a neutron with momentum -{\bf p$_f$} in coincidence with the two protons, provided {\bf p$_f$} is larger than the Fermi momentum $k_F$ for the nucleus (${\sim}$220 MeV/c for $^{12}$C). Our results reported here confirm the earlier results from the E850 collaboration.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2000

Backward emitted high-energy neutrons in hard reactions of p and pi^+ on carbon

Beams of protons and pions of 5.9 GeV/c were incident on a C target. Neutrons emitted into the back hemisphere, in the laboratory system, were detected in (triple) coincidence with two emerging $p_t>$0.6 GeV/c particles. We present the momentum spectra of the backward going neutrons, which have the same universal shape observed in earlier (inclusive) reactions induced by hadrons, $γ$, $ν$, and $\barν$ beams. We also integrated the spectra and determined the fraction of the hard scattering events which are in coincidence with at least one neutron emitted into the back hemisphere, with momenta above 0.32 GeV/c. Contrary to the earlier measurements which found that only a small fraction (of the order of 10%) of the total inelastic cross section for light nuclei was associated with backward going nucleons, we find that about half of the events are of this nature. We speculate that the reason for the large difference is the strong total center of mass (s) dependence of the hard reaction and short range nucleon correlations in nuclei.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv1998

A direct measurement of short range NN correlations in nuclei via the reaction C(p,2p+n)

The reaction 12C(p,2p+n) was measured at beam momenta of 5.9 and 7.5 GeV/c.. We established the quasi-elastic character of the reaction C(p,2p) at $θ_{cm}\simeq 90^o$, in a kinematically complete measurement. The neutron momentum was measured in triple coincidence with the two emerging high momentum protons. We present the correlation between the momenta of the struck target proton and the neutron. The events are associated with the high momentum components of the nuclear wave function. We conclude that two-nucleon short range correlations have been seen experimentally. The conclusion is based on kinematical correlations and is not based on specific theoretical models.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv1997

Measurement of quasi-elastic 12C(p,2p) scattering at high momentum transfer

We measured the high-momentum quasi-elastic 12C(p,2p) reaction (at center of mass angle near 90 degrees) for 6 and 7.5 GeV/c incident protons. The three-momentum components of both final state protons were measured and the missing energy and momentum of the target proton in the nucleus were determined. The validity of the quasi-elastic picture was verified up to Fermi momenta of about 450 MeV/c, where it might be questionable. Transverse and longitudinal Fermi momentum distributions of the target proton were measured and compared to independent particle models which do not reproduce the large momentum tails. We also observed that the transverse Fermi distribution gets wider as the longitudinal component increases in the beam direction, in contrast to a simple Fermi gas model.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv1997

Extracting the Proton ubar content from pp->Direct Photon plus Jet Cross Sections

An analysis procedure is proposed to measure the antiquark distributions in the proton over the region 0.01 < x < 0.1. The procedure involves the measurement of high p_t asymmetric direct photon and jet final states in pp interactions. This measurement can be made at the RHIC collider running in pp mode at an energy of sqrt(s)=500 GeV/c. This analysis identifies a region of phase space where the contribution from quark-antiquark annihilation uncharacteristically approaches the magnitude of the contribution from the leading process, quark-gluon Compton scattering. The forward-backward angular asymmetry in the parton center of mass is sensitive to the antiquark content of the proton and the ubar parton density function can be extracted.

hep-ph↗