arXiv subjects

Sandra S. Padula

Publications and source records attributed to Sandra S. Padula.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Nonflow suppression in flow analysis with a maximum likelihood estimator

We show that the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) is an effective tool for mitigating non-flow effects in flow analysis. To this end, one constructs two toy models that simulate non-flow contributions corresponding to particle decay and momentum conservation, respectively. The performance of MLE is analyzed by comparing it against standard approaches such as particle correlation and event plane methods. For both cases, MLE is observed to provide a reasonable estimate of the underlying flow harmonics, and in particular, its performance can be further improved when the specific form of the likelihood in the presence of non-flow can be assessed. The dependencies of extracted flow harmonics on the multiplicity of individual events and the total number of events are analyzed. Additionally, it is shown that the proposed approach performs efficiently in addressing deficiencies in detector acceptance. These findings suggest MLE as a compelling alternative to standard methods for flow analysis.

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arXiv2025

Analysis of flow factorization and event-plane correlations based on a maximum likelihood estimator

In this study, we use the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) to explore factorization and event-plane correlations in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Our analyses incorporate both numerical simulations and publicly available data from the CMS Collaboration. We focus on Au+Au collisions at 200 GeV and Pb+Pb collisions at 2.76 TeV. The differential flows obtained for various centrality windows and momentum cuts are consistent with conventional methodologies such as multi-particle cumulants and event-plane methods. Leveraging these findings, we proceed to undertake further analysis of flow factorization and event-plane correlations. These quantities are relevant because of their sensitivity to initial-state fluctuations. While higher-order correlators might provide different implementations of factorization ratio, the MLE estimator is readily applied to these scenarios. Moreover, MLE's unique capabilities allow us to compute specific correlators that are typically inaccessible by other means. As an asymptotically normal and unbiased estimator, MLE provides a valuable alternative tool for flow and correlation analysis.

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arXiv2024

On sensitivity of nucleus deformation on final-state flow harmonics

In this work, we explore the effect of deformation of the nuclei on collective flow in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The parameter associated with the geometrical deformation in the Glauber model is tuned to reproduce the empirical multiplicity probability distributions correctly. Subsequently, the particle spectra and collective flows for Au+Au and U+U collisions are evaluated using a hybrid hydrodynamic code CHESS. We analyze the effects of the degrees of freedom associated with the IC on the final-state flow harmonics by exploring the parameter space of the former. The connection between the deformation parameters, specifically $β_2$ and $β_4$, and the flow anisotropies is scrutinized. In particular, deviations in elliptic flow at $p_{\mathrm{T}}\sim 2$ GeV are observed at smaller values of $β_2$ in Au+Au collisions. On the other hand, for U+U collisions, the averaged overall flow harmonics are found to be less sensitive to the geometrical parameters. Despite the difference in the model's specifications, our findings largely confirm those obtained in the literature employing different approaches, which indicate that flow harmonics can be used as a sensible probe for the initial geometry fluctuations and to discriminate between different theoretical models.

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arXiv2021

Study of $\text{D}^0$ meson interactions via femtoscopic correlations

Femtoscopy is a powerful tool that can be used to investigate the space-time dimensions of the region from which the particles are emitted. When applied to high energy collisions this method is sensitive not only to quantum statistics, but also to final state interactions, such as strong interactions between hadrons and Coulomb interactions when considering charged particles. In particular, this procedure is used to investigate the sensitivity of the strong interaction to different source sizes for $\textrm{D}^{0}$ mesons correlations.

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arXiv2018

Effects of equation of state on hydrodynamic expansion, spectra, flow harmonics and two-pion interferometry

We perform an extensive study of the role played by the equation of state in the hydrodynamic evolution of the matter produced in relativistic heavy ion collisions. By using the same initial conditions and freeze-out scenario, the effects of different equations of state are compared by calculating their respective hydrodynamical evolution, particle spectra, harmonic flow coefficients $v_2$, $v_3$ and $v_4$ and two-pion interferometry radius parameters. The equations of state investigated contain distinct features, such as the nature of the phase transition, as well as strangeness and baryon density contents, which are expected to lead to different hydrodynamic responses. The results of our calculations are compared to the data recorded at two RHIC energies, 130 GeV and 200 GeV. The three equations of state used in the calculations are found to describe the data reasonably well. Differences can be observed among the studied observables, but they are quite small. In particular, the collective flow parameters are found not to be sensitive to the choice of the equation of state, whose implications are discussed.

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arXiv2015

Multidimensional analysis of Bose-Einstein correlations in pp collisions at 2.76 and 7 TeV in CMS

Multidimensional two-particle Bose-Einstein correlation functions of charged hadrons are reported for pp collisions at 2.76 and 7 TeV in terms of different components of the pair relative momentum, extending the previous one-dimensional (1-D) analyses of CMS. This allows for investigating the extension of the source accessible to the femtoscopic correlation technique in different directions, revealing a more detailed picture of the emitting source in these collisions at increasing energies. The measurements are performed for different intervals of the pair average transverse momentum, kT, and for increasing charged particle multiplicitiy, Nch. Results in 1-D, 2-D and 3-D show a decrease of the fit radius parameters with kT, whereas a clear rise with Nch is observed in all cases. In addition, the fit radius parameters at both energies show close similarity in size and behavior within the same intervals of (Nch,kT).

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arXiv2013

Searching for squeezed particle-antiparticle correlations in high energy heavy ion collisions

Squeezed correlations of particle-antiparticle pairs were predicted to exist if the hadron masses were modified in the hot and dense medium formed in high energy heavy ion collisions. Although well-established theoretically, they have not yet been observed experimentally. We suggest here a clear method to search for such signal, by analyzing the squeezed correlation functions in terms of measurable quantities. We illustrate this suggestion for simulated phi-phi pairs at RHIC energies.

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arXiv2013

Update on the status of Hadronic Squeezed Correlations at RHIC Energies

In high energy heavy ion collisions a hot and dense medium is formed, where the hadronic masses may be shifted from their asymptotic values. If this mass modification occurs, squeezed back-to-back correlations (BBC) of particle-antiparticle pairs are predicted to appear, both in the femionic (fBBC) and in the bosonic (bBBC) sectors. Although they have unlimited intensity even for finite-size expanding systems, these hadronic squeezed correlations are very sensitive to their time emission distribution. Here we discuss results in case this time emission is parameterized by a Levy-type distribution, showing that it reduces the signal even more dramatically than a Lorentzian distribution, which already reduces the intensity of the effect by orders of magnitude, as compared to the sudden emission. However, we show that the signal could still survive if the duration of the process is short, and if the effect is searched for lighter mesons, such as kaons. We compare some of our results to recent PHENIX preliminary data on squeezed correlations of K^+K^- pairs.

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arXiv2011

Squeezed K^+ K^- correlations in high energy heavy ion collisions

The hot and dense medium formed in high energy heavy ion collisions may modify some hadronic properties. In particular, if hadron masses are shifted in-medium, it was demonstrated that this could lead to back-to-back squeezed correlations (BBC) of particle-antiparticle pairs. Although well-established theoretically, the squeezed correlations have not yet been discovered experimentally. A method has been suggested for the empirical search of this effect, which was previously illustrated for phi-phi pairs. We apply here the formalism and the suggested method to the case of K^+ K^- pairs, since they may be easier to identify experimentally. The time distribution of the emission process plays a crucial role in the survival of the BBC's. We analyze the cases where the emission is supposed to occur suddenly or via a Lorentzian distribution, and compare with the case of a Levy distribution in time. Effects of squeezing on the correlation function of identical particles are also analyzed.

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arXiv2009

Squeezed correlations among particle-antiparticle pairs

The hadronic correlation among particle-antiparticle pairs was highlighted in the late 1990's, culminating with the demonstration that it should exist if the masses of the hadrons were modified in the hot and dense medium formed in high energy heavy ion collisions. They were called Back-to-Back Correlations (BBC) of particle-antiparticle pairs, also known as squeezed correlations. However, even though they are well-established theoretically, such hadronic correlations have not yet been experimentally discovered. Expecting to compel the experimentalists to search for this effect, we suggest here a clear way to look for the BBC signal, by constructing the squeezed correlation function of phi-phi and K+K- pairs at RHIC energies, plotted in terms of the average momentum of the pair, K12=(k1+k2)/2, inspired by procedures adopted in Hanbury-Brown & Twiss (HBT) correlations.

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arXiv2009

Squeezed particle-antiparticle correlations

A novel type of correlation involving particle-antiparticle pairs was found out in the 1990's. Currently known as Squeezed or Back-to-Back Correlations (BBC), they should be present if the hadronic masses are modified in the hot and dense medium formed in high energy heavy ion collisions. Although well-established theoretically, such hadronic correlations have not yet been observed experimentally. In this phenomenological study we suggest a promising way to search for the BBC signal, by looking into the squeezed correlation function of phi phi and K^+ K^- pairs at RHIC energies, as function of the pair average momentum, K_{12}=(k_1+k_2)/2. The effects of in-medium mass-shift on the identical particle correlations (Hanbury-Brown & Twiss effect) are also discussed.

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arXiv2008

Search for Squeezed-Pair Correlations at RHIC

Squeezed correlations of particle-antiparticle pairs, also called Back-to-Back Correlations, are predicted to appear if the hadron masses are modified in the hot and dense hadronic medium formed in high energy nucleus-nucleus collisions. Although well-established theoretically, the squeezed-particle correlations have not yet been searched for experimentally in high energy hadronic or heavy ion collisions, clearly requiring optimized forms to experimentally search for this effect. Within a non-relativistic treatment developed earlier we show that one promising way to search for the BBC signal is to look into the squeezed correlation function of pairs of phi-mesons at RHIC energies, plotted in terms of the average momentum of the pair, K12=(k1+k2)/2. This variable's modulus, 2|K12|, is the non-relativistic limit of the variable Q_bbc, introduced herewith. The squeezing effects on the HBT correlation function are also discussed.

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arXiv2007

Disappearance of Squeezed Back-to-Back Correlations - a new signal of hadron freeze-out from a supercooled Quark Gluon Plasma

We briefly discuss four different possible types of transitions from quark to hadronic matter and their characteristic signatures in terms of correlations. We also highlight the effects arising from mass modification of hadrons in hot and dense hadronic matter, as well as their quantum statistical consequences: the appearance of squeezed quantum states and the associated experimental signatures, i.e., the back-to-back correlations of particle - anti-particle pairs. We briefly review the theoretical results of these squeezed quanta, generated by in-medium modified masses, starting from the first indication of the existence of surprising particle - anti-particle correlations, and ending by considering the effects of chiral dynamics on these correlation patterns. A prerequisite for such a signature is the experimental verification that these theoretically predicted back-to-back correlation of particle anti-particle pairs are, in fact, observable in high energy heavy ion reactions. Therefore, the experimental observation of back-to-back correlations in high energy heavy ion reactions would be a unique signature, proving the existence of in-medium mass modification of hadronic states. On the other hand, their disappearance at some threshold centrality or collision energy would indicate that the hadron formation mechanism would have qualitatively changed: asymptotic hadrons above such a threshold are not formed from medium modified hadrons anymore, but rather by new degrees of freedom characterizing the medium. Furthermore, the disappearance of the squeezed BBC could also serve as a signature of a sudden, non-equilibrium hadronization scenario from a supercooled quark-gluon plasma phase.

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arXiv2007

Status and Promise of Particle Interferometry in Heavy-Ion Collisions

After five years of running at RHIC, and on the eve of the LHC heavy-ion program, we highlight the status of femtoscopic measurements. We emphasize the role interferometry plays in addressing fundamental questions about the state of matter created in such collisions, and present an enumerated list of measurements, analyses and calculations that are needed to advance the field in the coming years.

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arXiv2005

Back-to-Back Correlations for Finite Expanding Fireballs

Back-to-Back Correlations of particle-antiparticle pairs are related to the in-medium mass-modification and squeezing of the quanta involved. They are predicted to appear when hot and dense hadronic matter is formed in high energy nucleus-nucleus collisions. The survival and magnitude of the Back-to-Back Correlations of boson-antiboson pairs generated by in-medium mass modifications are studied here in the case of a thermalized, finite-sized, spherically symmetric expanding medium. We show that the BBC signal indeed survives the finite-time emission, as well as the expansion and flow effects, with sufficient intensity to be observed at RHIC.

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arXiv2005

Survival of Back-to-Back Correlations for Finite Expanding Fireballs

Back-to-Back Correlations (BBC) of particle-antiparticle pairs are predicted to appear if hot and dense hadronic matter is formed in high energy nucleus-nucleus collisions. The BBC correlations are related to in-medium mass-modification and squeezing of the quanta involved. The formalisms are analogous in the bosonic (bBBC) and in the fermionic (fBBC) cases. Both the bBBC and the fBBC are positive and unlimited correlations of similar strength. For testing the survival and the intensity of the effect in a more realistic situation, we study the back-to-back correlations for mass-modification occurring in a finite sized, thermalized medium. For illustration, we consider a non-relativistically expanding fireball with finite emission time. We show that the BBC signal indeed survives the expansion and flow effects, with sufficient magnitude to be observed at RHIC.

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arXiv2005

Phi-Phi Back-to-Back Correlations in Finite Expanding Systems

Back-to-Back Correlations (BBC) of particle-antiparticle pairs are predicted to appear if hot and dense hadronic matter is formed in high energy nucleus-nucleus collisions. The BBC are related to in-medium mass-modification and squeezing of the quanta involved. Although the suppression of finite emission times were already known, the effects of finite system sizes and of collective phenomena had not been studied yet. Thus, for testing the survival and magnitude of the effect in more realistic situations, we study the BBC when mass-modification occurs in a finite sized, thermalized medium, considering a non-relativistically expanding fireball with finite emission time, and evaluating the width of the back-to-back correlation function. We show that the BBC signal indeed survives the expansion and flow effects, with sufficient magnitude to be observed at RHIC.

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arXiv2005

HBT Interferometry: Historical Perspective

I review the history of HBT interferometry, since its discovery in the mid 1950's, up to the recent developments and results from BNL/RHIC experiments. I focus the discussion on the contributions to the subject given by members of our Brazilian group.

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