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Thomas A. Trainor

Publications and source records attributed to Thomas A. Trainor.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

$\bf p$-$\bf p$ minimum-bias dijets and nonjet quadrupole in relation to conjectured collectivity (flows) in high-energy nuclear collisions

Recent observations of ridge-like structure in $p$-$p$ and $p$-$A$ angular correlations at the RHIC and LHC have been interpreted to imply collective motion in smaller collision systems. It is argued that if correlation structures accepted as manifestations of flow in $A$-$A$ collisions appear in smaller systems collectivity (flow) must extend to the smaller systems. But the argument could be reversed to conclude that such structures appearing in $A$-$A$ collisions may not imply hydrodynamic flow. I present spectrum, correlation and fluctuation data from RHIC $p$-$p$ and Au-Au collisions and $p$-$p$, $p$-Pb and Pb-Pb results from the LHC described accurately by a two-component (soft+dijet) model of hadron production. I also present evidence for a significant $p$-$p$ nonjet (NJ) quadrupole ($v_2$) component with $n_{ch}$ systematics directly related to $A$-$A$ NJ quadrupole systematics. The combination suggests that soft, dijet and NJ quadrupole components are distinct phenomena in all cases, inconsistent with hadron production from a common bulk medium exhibiting collective motion (flow).

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Bayesian model comparison for one-dimensional azimuthal correlations in 200GeV AuAu collisions

In the context of data modeling and comparisons between different fit models, Bayesian analysis calls that model best which has the largest evidence, the prior-weighted integral over model parameters of the likelihood function. Evidence calculations automatically take into account both the usual chi-squared measure and an Occam factor which quantifies the price for adding extra parameters. Applying Bayesian analysis to projections onto azimuth of 2D angular correlations from 200 GeV AuAu collisions, we consider typical model choices including Fourier series and a Gaussian plus combinations of individual cosine components. We find that models including a Gaussian component are consistently preferred over pure Fourier-series parametrizations, sometimes strongly so. For 0-5% central collisions the Gaussian-plus-dipole model performs better than Fourier Series models or any other combination of Gaussian-plus-multipoles.

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CCharge-multiplicity dependence of single-particle transverse-rapidity $\bf y_t$ and pseudorapidity $\bf η$ densities and 2D angular correlations from 200 GeV $p$-$p$ collisions

An established phenomenology and theoretical interpretation of $p$-$p$ collision data at lower collision energies should provide a reference for $p$-$p$ and other collision systems at higher energies, against which claims of novel physics may be tested. The description of $p$-$p$ collisions at the relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC) has remained incomplete even as claims for collectivity and other novelties in data from smaller systems at the large hadron collider (LHC) have emerged recently. In this study we report the charge-multiplicity dependence of two-dimensional (2D) angular correlations and of single-particle (SP) densities on transverse rapidity $y_t$ and pseudorapidity $η$ from 200 GeV $p$-$p$ collisions. We define a comprehensive and self-consistent two-component (soft + hard) model (TCM) for hadron production and report a significant $p$-$p$ nonjet (NJ) quadrupole component as a third (angular-correlation) component. Our results have implications for $p$-$p$ centrality, the underlying event (UE), collectivity in small systems and the existence of flows in high-energy nuclear collisions.

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Transverse-rapidity $\bf y_t$ dependence of the nonjet azimuth quadrupole from 62 and 200 GeV Au-Au collisions

Previous measurements of a quadrupole component of azimuth correlations denoted by symbol $v_2$ have been interpreted to represent elliptic flow, a hydrodynamic phenomenon conjectured to play a major role in noncentral nucleus-nucleus collisions. $v_2$ measurements provide the main support for conclusions that a ``perfect liquid'' is formed in heavy ion collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). However, conventional $v_2$ methods based on one-dimensional (1D) azimuth correlations give inconsistent results and may include a jet contribution. In some cases the data trends appear to be inconsistent with hydrodynamic interpretations. In this study we distinguish several components of 2D angular correlations and isolate a nonjet (NJ) azimuth quadrupole denoted by $v_2\{\text{2D}\}$. We establish systematic variations of the NJ quadrupole on $y_t$, centrality and collision energy. We adopt transverse rapidity $y_t$ as both a velocity measure and as a logarithmic alternative to transverse momentum $p_t$. Based on NJ quadrupole trends we derive a completely factorized universal parametrization of quantity $v_2\{\text{2D}\}(y_t,b,\sqrt{s_{NN}})$ which describes the centrality, $y_t$ and energy dependence. From $y_t$-differential $v_2(y_t)$ data we isolate a quadrupole spectrum and infer a quadrupole source boost having unexpected properties. NJ quadrupole $v_2$ trends obtained with 2D model fits are remarkably simple. The centrality trend appear to be uncorrelated with a sharp transition in jet-related structure that may indicate rapid change of Au-Au medium properties. The lack of correspondence suggests that the NJ quadrupole may be insensitive to such a medium. Several quadrupole trends have interesting implications for hydro interpretations.

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Event-wise mean-$\bf p_t$ fluctuations vs minimum-bias jets (minijets) at the LHC

Fluctuation measurements of event-wise mean transverse momentum $\langle p_t \rangle$ for p-p and Pb-Pb collisions at the large hadron collider (LHC) have been reported recently. In that study it was concluded that the strength of "nonstatistical" $\langle p_t \rangle$ fluctuations decreases with increasing particle multiplicity $n_{ch}$ (or A-A centrality) and is nearly independent of collision energy over a large interval. Among several potential mechanisms for those trends onset of thermalization and collectivity are mentioned. The LHC analysis employed one fluctuation measure selected from several possibilities. An alternative fluctuation measure reveals strong increase of $p_t$ fluctuations with $n_{ch}$ (or A-A centrality) and collision energy, consistent with previous measurements at the relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC). The $p_t$ fluctuation data for LHC p-p collisions can be described accurately by a two-component (soft+hard) model (TCM) in which the hard component represents dijet production. The data for Pb-Pb collisions are described accurately by a TCM reference for more-peripheral collisions (suggesting transparent collisions), but the data deviate quantitatively from the reference for more-central collisions suggesting modification of jet formation. Overall fluctuation data trends suggest that minimum-bias jets (minijets) dominate $p_t$ fluctuations at both the LHC and RHIC.

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QCD prediction of jet structure in 2D trigger-associated momentum correlations and implications for multiple parton interactions

The expression "multiple parton interactions" (MPI) denotes a conjectured QCD mechanism representing contributions from secondary (semi)hard parton scattering to the transverse azimuth region (TR) of jet-triggered p-p collisions. MPI is an object of underlying-event (UE) studies that consider variation of TR $n_{ch}$ or $p_t$ yields relative to a trigger condition (leading hadron or jet $p_t$). An alternative approach is 2D trigger-associated (TA) correlations on hadron transverse momentum $p_t$ or rapidity $y_t$ in which all hadrons from all p-p events are included. Based on a two-component (soft+hard) model (TCM) of TA correlations a jet-related TA hard component is isolated. Contributions to the hard component from the triggered dijet and from secondary dijets (MPI) can be distinguished, including their azimuth dependence relative to the trigger direction. Measured $e^+$-$e^-$ and p-p fragmentation functions and a minimum-bias jet spectrum from 200 GeV p-p collisions are convoluted to predict the 2D hard component of TA correlations as a function of p-p collision multiplicity. The agreement between QCD predictions and TA correlation data is quantitative, confirming a dijet interpretation for the TCM hard component. The TA azimuth dependence is inconsistent with conventional UE assumptions.

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Challenging claims of "elliptic flow" by comparing azimuth quadrupole and jet-related angular correlations from Au-Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = $ 62 and 200 GeV

Background: A component of azimuth correlations from high-energy heavy ion collisions varying as $\cos(2ϕ)$ and denoted by symbol $v_2$ is conventionally interpreted to represent "elliptic flow," a hydrodynamic manifestation of the initial-state åoverlap geometry. Several numerical methods are used to estimate $v_2$, resulting in various combinations of "flow" and "nonflow" that reveal systematic biases in the $v_2$ estimates. QCD jets contribute strongly to azimuth correlations and specifically to the $\cos(2ϕ)$ component. Purpose: We question the extent of jet-related ("nonflow") bias in and hydrodynamic "flow" interpretations of $v_2$ measurements. Method: We introduce two-dimensional (2D) model fits to angular correlation data that distinguish accurately between jet-related correlation components and a {\em nonjet azimuth quadrupole} that might represent "elliptic flow" if that were relevant. We compare measured jet-related and "flow"-related data systematics and determine the jet-related contribution to $v_2$ measurements. Results: Jet structure does introduce substantial bias to conventional $v_2$ measurements, making interpretation difficult. The nonjet quadrupole exhibits very simple systematics on centrality and collision energy---the two variables factorize. Within a \auau centrality interval where jets show no indication of rescattering or medium effects the nonjet quadrupole amplitude rises to 60% of its maximum value. Conclusions: Disagreements between nonjet quadrupole systematics and hydro theory expectations, the large quadrupole amplitudes observed in more-peripheral \auau collisions and a significant nonzero value in \nn $\approx$ \pp collisions strongly suggest that the nonjet quadrupole does not arise from a hydrodynamic "flow" mechanism.

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Predicting minimum-bias trigger-associated dijet correlations in p-p collisions

A method is derived to predict the structure of dijet-related hard components of trigger-associated (TA) hadron correlations from p-p collisions based on measured fragmentation functions (FFs) from e-e or p-pbar collisions and a minimum-bias (MB) jet or scattered-parton spectrum from p-pbar collisions. The method is based on the probability chain rule and Bayes' theorem and relates a trigger-parton--associated-fragment system from reconstructed dijets to a trigger-hadron--associated-hadron system from p-p data. The method is tested in this study by comparisons of FF TA structure with preliminary p-p TA data but can also be applied to p-A, d-A and A-A collisions over a range of energies. Quantitative comparisons of measured TA correlations with FF-derived predictions may confirm a QCD MB dijet mechanism for certain spectrum and correlation structures whose origins are currently questioned and have been attributed by some to collective expansion (flows).

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Universal parametrization of jet production based on parton and fragment rapidities

As the signature manifestation of QCD in high energy nuclear collisions jet production provides essential tests of that theory. But event-wise jet reconstruction can be complex and susceptible to measurement bias. And QCD theory in the form of Monte Carlo models of elementary collisions can also be complex and difficult to test. It may be beneficial to construct a simple static model of jet production in p-p collisions to facilitate data comparisons and model tests. QCD is a logarithmic theory featuring variations with energy scale of the form $\log(s/s_0)$. Jet-related data such as parton fragmentation functions plotted on logarithmic rapidities exhibit self-similar scaling behavior which admits simple and accurate parametrization with only a few parameters. In this study we extend that method to construct a parametrization of jet (scattered parton) momentum spectra based on certain measured logarithmic jet production trends. The parametrization is established with SppS jet data and then extrapolated for comparison with Tevatron and LHC jet data. In addition, the jet production model from the present study is combined with a parametrization of p-p fragmentation functions to predict the minimum-bias jet fragment contribution to hadron $p_t$ spectra. The prediction is compared with published p-p spectrum data to test the self-consistency of the model.

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Ensemble mean $\bf p_t$ vs charged-hadron multiplicities in high energy nuclear collisions

Measurements of event-ensemble mean transverse momentum $\langle p_t \rangle$ vs charged-hadron multiplicity $n_{ch}$ for $p_t$ spectra from 5 TeV p-Pb and 2.76 TeV Pb-Pb collisions and from p-p collisions for several energies have been reported recently. While in all cases $\langle p_t \rangle$ increases monotonically with $n_{ch}$ the rate of increase is very different from system to system. Comparisons with several theory Monte Carlos reveal substantial disagreements and lead to considerable uncertainty on how to interpret the $\langle p_t \rangle$ data. In the present study we develop a two-component (soft+hard) model (TCM) of $p_t$ production in high energy nuclear collisions and apply it to the $\langle p_t \rangle$ data. The soft component is assumed to be a universal feature of high energy collisions independent of A-B system or energy. The hard-component model is based on the observation that dijet production in p-p collisions does not satisfy the eikonal approximation but does so in A-A collisions. Hard-component properties are determined from previous measurements of hadron spectrum hard components, jet spectra and fragmentation functions. The TCM describes the p-p and Pb-Pb $\langle p_t \rangle$ data accurately, within data uncertainties, and the p-Pb data appear to transition smoothly from p-p to A-A $n_{ch}$ trends.

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Can minimum-bias distributions on transverse energy test hadron production models?

A recent study reports measurements of transverse-energy $E_t$ distributions at mid-rapidity for several high-energy nuclear collision systems. The $E_t$ data are analyzed in the context of constituent-quark (CQ) participants estimated with a Glauber-model simulation. The study concludes that systematic variations of hadron and $E_t$ yields previously interpreted in terms of a two-component soft+hard model (TCM) of hadron production including a dijet (hard) contribution are actually the result of CQ participant trends with only soft production. It is claimed that deviations from linear scaling with the number of nucleon participants of hadron yields vs A-A centrality do not actually arise from dijet production as previously assumed. In the present study we examine the new $E_t$ data in the context of the TCM and compare those results with previous differential spectrum and minimum-bias correlation analysis. We present substantial evidence supporting a significant dijet contribution to all high-energy nuclear collisions consistent with the TCM and conclude that the $E_t$ data, given their systematic uncertainties, fail to support claimed CQ model interpretations.

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Improved isolation of the p-p underlying event based on minimum-bias trigger-associated hadron correlations

Some aspects of hadron production in p-p collisions remain unresolved, including the low-hadron-momentum structure of high-parton-energy dijets, separation of triggered dijets from the underlying event (UE), the systematics of multiple parton interactions and possible systematic underestimation of dijet contributions to high-energy nuclear collisions. In this study we apply a minimum-bias trigger-associated (TA) correlation analysis to p-p collisions. We extract a hard component from TA correlations that can be compared with measured jet fragment systematics derived from e-e collisions. The kinematic limits on jet fragment production may be determined. The same method may be extended to A-A collisions where the role of minimum-bias jets in spectra and correlations is strongly contested.

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Two-component model of 2D trigger-associated hadron correlations on rapidity space $\bf y_{ta} \times y_{tt}$ derived from 1D $\bf p_t$ spectra for p-p collisions at $\bf \sqrt{s} = 200$ GeV

A two-component model (TCM) for single-particle $p_t$ spectra describes 200 GeV p-p data accurately. Based on that TCM a spectrum hard component was isolated that is related quantitatively to pQCD predictions for jet fragmentation down to low jet energies ($\approx 3$ GeV). We here address jet-related structure in 2D trigger-associated (TA) correlations as a more-detailed method to explore the kinematic limits of low-energy jet production and low-momentum jet fragment structure in p-p collisions. We derive a TCM for p-p TA correlations that can be used to isolate 2D jet-related structure. Inferred minimum-bias (mainly low-energy) jet-related TA correlations may challenge several major assumptions about jet production in p-p (and A-A) collisions. These results should be relevant to p-p underlying-event studies and Monte Carlo predictions of multiple parton interactions.

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A critical review of RHIC experimental results

The relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC) was constructed to achieve an asymptotic state of nuclear matter in heavy ion collisions, a near-ideal gas of deconfined quarks and gluons denoted quark-gluon plasma or QGP. RHIC collisions are indeed very different from the hadronic processes observed at the Bevalac and AGS, but high-energy elementary-collision mechanisms are also non-hadronic. The two-component model (TCM) combines measured properties of elementary collisions with the Glauber eikonal model to provide an alternative asymptotic limit for A-A collisions. RHIC data have been interpreted to indicate formation of a {\em strongly-coupled} QGP or "perfect liquid". In this review I consider the experimental evidence that seems to support such conclusions and alternative evidence that may conflict with those conclusions and suggest different interpretations.

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Finding, and not finding, "higher harmonic flows"

Certain analysis methods have emerged recently that claim to reveal "higher harmonic flows" in more-central åcollisions at the RHIC and LHC. But pQCD calculations describe the same structures quantitatively.

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Dijet production, collision centrality and backgrounds in high-energy p-p collisions

Two aspects of high-energy \pp collisions share common phenomenological elements: (a) A correlation between jet production and \pp centrality is suggested by the transverse partonic structure of hadrons inferred from deep-inelastic scattering data. (b) The {\em underlying event} (UE) is defined as the final-state particles complementary to a triggered high-energy dijet. An observable common to both topics is variation of so-called {\em transverse multiplicity} $N_\perp$ with a $p_{t,trig}$ dijet trigger. We test assumptions associated with \pp collision centrality and the UE. We determine the nature of the UE and explore the relation between jet production and \pp centrality. We use the {\em two-component model} (TCM) of spectra and correlations derived from 200 GeV \pp collisions to construct a simulated particle distribution on $(p_t,n_{ch})$ to predict the $N_\perp$ response to $p_{t,trig}$. The $p_t$ spectrum TCM combined in this analysis with measured minimum-bias \pp angular correlations suggests that the UE includes a substantial contribution from the triggered dijet in addition to the contribution from projectile fragmentation (beam-beam remnants). The jet contribution to $N_\perp$ may represent a universal large-angle base common to all dijets that extends across $2π$ azimuth. The analysis further suggests that \pp centrality is not controlled significantly by $p_{t,trig}$ but may be correlated to some extent with an imposed $n_{ch}$ condition, depending on the role of fluctuations. Future correlation studies may better determine the role of \pp centrality. These results may have implications for ongoing RHIC analysis and LHC searches for physics beyond the standard model.

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The "soft ridge" - is it initial-state geometry or modified jets?

A same-side (SS, on azimuth $ϕ$) 2D peak in measured angular correlations from 200 GeV \pp collisions exhibits properties expected for jet formation. In more-central \auau collisions the SS peak becomes elongated on pseudorapidity $η$ and the transverse momentum $p_t$ structure is modified. In the latter case the SS 2D peak has been referred to as a "Soft Ridge", and arguments have been presented that the elongated peak represents flow phenomena ("triangular" and "higher harmonic" flows), possibly related to the initial-state ågeometry. In this presentation I demonstrate that "higher harmonic flows" are related to SS 2D peak properties and review evidence for a jet interpretation of the SS peak for all \auau centralities.

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On the presence of nonjet "higher harmonic" components in 2D angular correlations from high energy heavy ion collisions

It is conjectured that several higher harmonic flows $v_m$ may result from initial-state geometry fluctuations in åcollisions coupled to a radially-expanding medium. But as with "elliptic flow" $v_2$ measurements, non-hydrodynamic mechanisms such as jet production may contribute to other higher azimuth multipoles $v_m$ as biases. Careful distinctions should be maintained between jet-related and nonjet (possibly hydrodynamic) contributions to $v_m$ (e.g., "nonflow" and "flow"). In this study we consider several questions: (a) To what extent do jet-like structures in two-dimensional (2D) angular correlations contribute to azimuth multipoles inferred from various $v_m$ methods? (b) If a multipole element is added to a 2D fit model is a nonzero amplitude indicative of a corresponding flow component? and (c) Can 2D correlations establish the necessity of nonjet contributions to some or all higher multipoles? Model fits to 2D angular correlations are used to establish the origins of azimuth multipoles inferred from 1D projections onto azimuth or from nongraphical numerical methods. We find that jet-like angular correlations, and specifically a 2D peak at the angular origin consistent with jet production, constitute the dominant contribution to inferred higher multipoles, and the data do not {\em require} higher multipoles in isolation from the jet-like 2D peak. Inference of "higher harmonic flows" results from identifying certain nominally jet-like structure as flow manifestations through unjustified application of 1D Fourier series analysis. Although the peak structure at the angular origin is strongly modified in more-central collisions some properties remain compatible with relevant pQCD theory expectations for jet production.

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