Production of He-4 and (4) in Pb-Pb collisions at root(NN)-N-S=2.76 TeV at the LHC

Results on the production of He-4 and (4) nuclei in Pb-Pb collisions at root(NN)-N-S = 2.76 TeV in the rapidity range vertical bar y vertical bar <1, using the ALICE detector, are presented in this paper. The rapidity densities corresponding to 0-10% central events are found to be dN/dy4(He) = (0.8 +/- 0.4 (stat) +/- 0.3 (syst)) x 10(-6) and dN/dy4 = (1.1 +/- 0.4 (stat) +/- 0.2 (syst)) x 10(-6), respectively. This is in agreement with the statistical thermal model expectation assuming the same chemical freeze-out temperature (T-chem = 156 MeV) as for light hadrons. The measured ratio of (4)/He-4 is 1.4 +/- 0.8 (stat) +/- 0.5 (syst). (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier B.V.Peer reviewe

Measurement of the Cross Section of π0\pi^{0}, η\eta and ω\omega Meson Production in Ultrarelativistic Proton-Proton Collisions

Particle colliders are an important tool to enhance our understanding of fundamental physics. The most powerful particle accelerator is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), located at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva. A major achievement by the scientists working at CERN was the discovery of the Higgs Boson in July 2012. While the LHC is able to collide two protons pp, two heavy-ions (A-A) or a combination of those (p-A), this thesis is focussing on pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13\,$TeV, measured with A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE). ALICE is dedicated to the exploration of the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), a state of matter in which quarks can be seen as quasi-free particles. This state was present until $10$µs after the Big Bang and is expected to be created at heavy-ion collisions. In this thesis, the measurement of the cross section of $\pi^{0}$, $\eta$ and $\omega$ meson production is presented. The measurement of the cross section of $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ mesons is making use of their decay into two photons ($\gamma \gamma$). The $\omega$ meson cross section measurement is using its decay into three pions ($\pi^{+}\pi^{-}\pi^{0}$). While $\pi^{+}$ and $\pi^{-}$ can be measured directly, using the tracking detectors of ALICE, $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ mesons have to be reconstructed from their decay products. On the one hand, the two photons of the $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ decay can directly be measured with one of the calorimeters available in ALICE: EMCal, DCal or PHOS. On the other hand, photons can convert into $e^{+}e^{-}$-pairs within the inner detector material. The resulting $e^{+}$ and $e^{-}$ can then be tracked analogous to the $\pi^{+}$ and $\pi^{-}$. The measurement method that utilizes this photon conversion is called Photon Conversion Method (PCM). Furthermore, it is possible to measure one decay photon with the help of a calorimeter and the second decay photon utilizing PCM. While the dedicated measurements of the cross section of $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ meson production in this thesis are making use of the PHOS detector and its combination with PCM, the measurement of the $\pi^{0}$ mesons used for the $\omega$ reconstruction is utilizing all methods mentioned. Measurements of the cross sections of neutral meson productions in pp collisions are valuable probes for various properties of the QGP, through their comparison to heavy-ion collisions, and particle production in general. The measurement of the cross section of neutral mesons is needed to test the understanding of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) and its implementation in QCD-based event generators like PYTHIA. The fragmentation function and parton distribution function is constrained by parametrizing measured data at different collision energies. Furthermore, the low-momentum regime is described by phenomenological models, which can be verified by meson measurements. In addition to that, photons are produced during different stages of the collision and do not interact strongly. Hence, they are ideal particles to probe the QGP. However, to acquire the fraction of direct photons from all generated photons, precise measurements of neutral meson spectra are needed. The three largest contributions of decay photons to the total amount of decay photons are given by the $\pi^{0}$, $\eta$ and $\omega$ mesons. As the QGP is expected to suppress hadron production in heavy-ion collisions compared to pp collisions, particle productions in pp collisions can furthermore be used to probe the QGP. In addition to that, experimental data of vector meson production, like the $\omega$ meson, at LHC energies is scarce. The measurement of the $\omega$ meson cross section in this thesis is performed over an unprecedented momentum range and provides important precision data for future theoretical calculations in vector meson fragmentation. This thesis will explain the basic theoretical concepts for particle productions and their measurement in chapter 3. These explanations are followed up by a description of the experimental setup of the ALICE detector in chapter 4. After a quick overview of the Service Task, that has been performed during this work, in chapter 5, the used data sets and the choice of selected events are explained in chapter 6. Finally, the measurements of charged pions and photons are described in chapter 7 and 8, while the measurements of $\pi^{0}$ and $\eta$ meson production cross sections are described in chapter 9. The $\omega$ meson production cross section measurement is described in chapter 10

Multiplicity dependence of light (anti-)nuclei production in p–Pb collisions at sNN=5.02 TeV

The measurement of the deuteron and anti-deuteron production in the rapidity range −1 < y < 0 as a function of transverse momentum and event multiplicity in p–Pb collisions at √sNN = 5.02 TeV is presented. (Anti-)deuterons are identified via their specific energy loss dE/dx and via their time-of- flight. Their production in p–Pb collisions is compared to pp and Pb–Pb collisions and is discussed within the context of thermal and coalescence models. The ratio of integrated yields of deuterons to protons (d/p) shows a significant increase as a function of the charged-particle multiplicity of the event starting from values similar to those observed in pp collisions at low multiplicities and approaching those observed in Pb–Pb collisions at high multiplicities. The mean transverse particle momenta are extracted from the deuteron spectra and the values are similar to those obtained for p and particles. Thus, deuteron spectra do not follow mass ordering. This behaviour is in contrast to the trend observed for non-composite particles in p–Pb collisions. In addition, the production of the rare 3He and 3He nuclei has been studied. The spectrum corresponding to all non-single diffractive p-Pb collisions is obtained in the rapidity window −1 < y < 0 and the pT-integrated yield dN/dy is extracted. It is found that the yields of protons, deuterons, and 3He, normalised by the spin degeneracy factor, follow an exponential decrease with mass number

Production of charged pions, kaons, and (anti-)protons in Pb-Pb and inelastic pppp collisions at sNN\sqrt {s_{NN}} = 5.02 TeV

International audienceMid-rapidity production of $\pi^{\pm}$, $\rm{K}^{\pm}$ and ($\bar{\rm{p}}$)p measured by the ALICE experiment at the LHC, in Pb-Pb and inelastic pp collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 5.02 TeV, is presented. The invariant yields are measured over a wide transverse momentum ($p_{\rm{T}}$) range from hundreds of MeV/$c$ up to 20 GeV/$c$. The results in Pb-Pb collisions are presented as a function of the collision centrality, in the range 0$-$90%. The comparison of the $p_{\rm{T}}$-integrated particle ratios, i.e. proton-to-pion (p/$\pi$) and kaon-to-pion (K/$\pi$) ratios, with similar measurements in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 2.76 TeV show no significant energy dependence. Blast-wave fits of the $p_{\rm{T}}$ spectra indicate that in the most central collisions radial flow is slightly larger at 5.02 TeV with respect to 2.76 TeV. Particle ratios (p/$\pi$, K/$\pi$) as a function of $p_{\rm{T}}$ show pronounced maxima at $p_{\rm{T}}$ $\approx$ 3 GeV/$c$ in central Pb-Pb collisions. At high $p_{\rm{T}}$, particle ratios at 5.02 TeV are similar to those measured in pp collisions at the same energy and in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 2.76 TeV. Using the pp reference spectra measured at the same collision energy of 5.02 TeV, the nuclear modification factors for the different particle species are derived. Within uncertainties, the nuclear modification factor is particle species independent for high $p_{\rm{T}}$ and compatible with measurements at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 2.76 TeV. The results are compared to state-of-the-art model calculations, which are found to describe the observed trends satisfactorily

Multiplicity dependence of (multi-)strange hadron production in proton-proton collisions at s\sqrt{s} = 13 TeV

The production rates and the transverse momentum distribution of strange hadrons at mid-rapidity ($\left| y\right| < 0.5$) are measured in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV as a function of the charged particle multiplicity, using the ALICE detector at the LHC. The production rates of $\mathrm{K}^{0}_{S}$, $\Lambda$, $\Xi$, and $\Omega$ increase with the multiplicity faster than what is reported for inclusive charged particles. The increase is found to be more pronounced for hadrons with a larger strangeness content. Possible auto-correlations between the charged particles and the strange hadrons are evaluated by measuring the event-activity with charged particle multiplicity estimators covering different pseudorapidity regions. When comparing to lower energy results, the yields of strange hadrons are found to depend only on the mid-rapidity charged particle multiplicity. Several features of the data are reproduced qualitatively by general purpose QCD Monte Carlo models that take into account the effect of densely-packed QCD strings in high multiplicity collisions. However, none of the tested models reproduce the data quantitatively. This work corroborates and extends the ALICE findings on strangeness production in proton-proton collisions at 7 TeV

Global polarization of ΛΛˉ\Lambda \bar \Lambda hyperons in Pb-Pb collisions at sNN\sqrt {s_{NN}} = 2.76 and 5.02 TeV

International audienceThe global polarization of the $\Lambda$ and $\overline\Lambda$ hyperons is measured for Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 2.76 and 5.02 TeV recorded with the ALICE at the LHC. The results are reported differentially as a function of collision centrality and hyperon's transverse momentum ($p_{\rm{T}}$) for the range of centrality 5-50%, $0.5 < p_{\rm{T}} <5$ GeV/$c$, and rapidity $|y|<0.5$. The hyperon global polarization averaged for Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}$ = 2.76 and 5.02 TeV is found to be consistent with zero, $\langle P_{\rm{H}}\rangle$ (%) $\approx$ 0.01 $\pm$ 0.06 (stat.) $\pm$ 0.03 (syst.) in the collision centrality range 15-50%, where the largest signal is expected. The results are compatible with expectations based on an extrapolation from measurements at lower collision energies at RHIC, hydrodynamical model calculations, and empirical estimates based on collision energy dependence of directed flow, all of which predict the global polarization values at LHC energies of the order of 0.01%

Coherent J/ψ\psi photoproduction at forward rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=5.02\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}=5.02 TeV

The ALICE collaboration performed the first rapidity-differential measurement of coherent J/ψ photoproduction in ultra-peripheral Pb–Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV. The J/ψ is detected via its dimuon decay in the forward rapidity region (−4.0 < y <−2.5 ) for events where the hadronic activity is required to be minimal. The analysis is based on an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 750 $\mu$b$^{-1}$ . The cross section for coherent J/ψ production is presented in six rapidity bins. The results are compared with theoretical models for coherent J/ψ photoproduction. These comparisons indicate that gluon shadowing effects play a role in the photoproduction process. The ratio of ψ′ to J/ψ coherent photoproduction cross sections was measured and found to be consistent with that measured for photoproduction off protons

Measurement of charged jet cross section in pppp collisions at s=5.02{\sqrt{s}=5.02} TeV

International audienceThe cross section of jets reconstructed from charged particles is measured in the transverse momentum range of 5<pT<100  GeV/c in pp collisions at the center-of-mass energy of s=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector. The jets are reconstructed using the anti-kT algorithm with resolution parameters R=0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.6 in the pseudorapidity range |η|<0.9-R. The charged jet cross sections are compared with the leading-order (LO) and to next-to-leading-order (NLO) perturbative quantum chromodynamics (pQCD) calculations. It is found that the NLO calculations agree better with the measurements. The cross section ratios for different resolution parameters are also measured. These ratios increase from low pT to high pT and saturate at high pT, indicating that jet collimation is larger at high pT than at low pT. These results provide a precision test of pQCD predictions and serve as a baseline for the measurement in Pb-Pb collisions at the same energy to quantify the effects of the hot and dense medium created in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC

Charged-particle production as a function of multiplicity and transverse spherocity in pp collisions at s=5.02\sqrt{s} =5.02 and 13 TeV

We present a study of the inclusive charged-particle transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) spectra as a function of charged-particle multiplicity density at mid-pseudorapidity, ${\rm d}N_{\rm ch}/{\rm d}\eta$, in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=5.02$ and 13 TeV covering the kinematic range $|\eta|0$). The transverse momentum spectra are reported for two multiplicity estimators covering different pseudorapidity regions. While the $p_{\rm T}$ spectra exhibit a strong dependence on multiplicity and center-of-mass energy, they show little energy dependence when normalized to the $p_{\rm T}$ spectrum for INEL$\,>0$. The behavior of the multiplicity dependent spectra from intermediate to high transverse momentum ($6 0$ pp collisions. Moreover, within uncertainties the functional form of $\langle p_{\rm T} \rangle(N_{\rm ch})$ is not affected by the spherocity selection. However, in PYTHIA 6 (tune Perugia 2011) and PYTHIA 8 (tune Monash 2013) the functional form of $\langle p_{\rm T} \rangle(N_{\rm ch})$ is modified by the spherocity selection and in particular for jet-like events, the models overestimate the average $p_{\rm T}$. The general purpose QCD Monte Carlo generator EPOS LHC gives a good description of many features of data. The observations are discussed in terms of multi-parton interactions with large momentum transfer and color reconnection.We present a study of the inclusive charged-particle transverse momentum ( $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ ) spectra as a function of charged-particle multiplicity density at mid-pseudorapidity, $\mathrm{d}N_{\mathrm{ch}}/\mathrm{d}\eta$ , in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=5.02$ and 13 TeV covering the kinematic range $|\eta |0$ ). The $p_\mathrm{T}$ spectra are reported for two multiplicity estimators covering different pseudorapidity regions. The $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ spectra normalized to that for INEL $\,>0$ show little energy dependence. Moreover, the high- $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ yields of charged particles increase faster than the charged-particle multiplicity density. The average ${ p}_{\mathrm{T}}$ as a function of multiplicity and transverse spherocity is reported for pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$  TeV. For low- (high-) spherocity events, corresponding to jet-like (isotropic) events, the average $p_\mathrm{T}$ is higher (smaller) than that measured in INEL $\,>0$ pp collisions. Within uncertainties, the functional form of $\langle p_{\mathrm{T}} \rangle (N_{\mathrm{ch}})$ is not affected by the spherocity selection. While EPOS LHC gives a good description of many features of data, PYTHIA overestimates the average $p_{\mathrm{T}}$ in jet-like events.We present a study of the inclusive charged-particle transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) spectra as a function of charged-particle multiplicity density at mid-pseudorapidity, ${\rm d}N_{\rm ch}/{\rm d}\eta$, in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 5.02 and 13 TeV covering the kinematic range $|\eta|0$). The $p_{\rm T}$ spectra are reported for two multiplicity estimators covering different pseudorapidity regions. The $p_{\rm T}$ spectra normalized to that for INEL $>0$ show little energy dependence. Moreover, the high-$p_{\rm T}$ yields of charged particles increase faster than the charged-particle multiplicity density. The average $\it{p}_{\rm T}$ as a function of multiplicity and transverse spherocity is reported for pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV. For low- (high-) spherocity events, corresponding to jet-like (isotropic) events, the average $p_{\rm T}$ is higher (smaller) than that measured in INEL $>0$ pp collisions. Within uncertainties, the functional form of $\langle p_{\rm T} \rangle(N_{\rm ch})$ is not affected by the spherocity selection. While EPOS LHC gives a good description of many features of data, PYTHIA overestimates the average $p_{\rm T}$ in jet-like events

Centrality and transverse momentum dependence of inclusive J/psi production at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at root s NN=5 .02 TeV

The inclusive J/ψ meson production in Pb–Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon–nucleon collision of sNN=5.02 TeV at midrapidity (|y|<0.9) is reported by the ALICE Collaboration. The measurements are performed in the dielectron decay channel, as a function of event centrality and J/ψ transverse momentum pT, down to pT=0. The J/ψ mean transverse momentum 〈pT〉 and rAA ratio, defined as 〈pT2〉PbPb/〈pT2〉pp, are evaluated. Both observables show a centrality dependence decreasing towards central (head-on) collisions. The J/ψ nuclear modification factor RAA exhibits a strong pT dependence with a large suppression at high pT and an increase to unity for decreasing pT. When integrating over the measured momentum range pT<10 GeV/c, the J/ψ RAA shows a weak centrality dependence. Each measurement is compared with results at lower center-of-mass energies and with ALICE measurements at forward rapidity, as well as to theory calculations. All reported features of the J/ψ production at low pT are consistent with a dominant contribution to the J/ψ yield originating from charm quark (re)combination