We report the first observation of $K^{\star}(892)^{0}\to\pi K$ in relativistic heavy ion collisions. The transverse momentum spectrum of $(K^{\star0}+\bar{K}^{\star0})/2$ from central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=130$ GeV is presented. The ratios of the $K^{\star0}$ yield derived from these data to the yields of negative hadrons, charged kaons, and $\phi$ mesons have been measured in central and minimum bias collisions and compared with model predictions and comparable $e^{+}e^{-}$, $pp$, and $\bar{p}p$ results. The data indicate no dramatic reduction of $K^{\star0}$ production in relativistic heavy ion collisions despite expected losses due to rescattering effects.
Transverse mass spectrum of K*0 with YRAP = -0.5 to 0.5 for the 14 PCT most central interactions. Numerical values requested from the authors.
K*0 to negative hadron ratio using hadron data from Adler et al PRL 87,112303(2001).
K*0 to kaon ratio using STAR kaon data.
We present results from a harmonic decomposition of two-particle azimuthal correlations measured with the STAR detector in Au+Au collisions for energies ranging from $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=7.7$ GeV to 200 GeV. The third harmonic $v_3^2\{2\}=\langle \cos3(\phi_1-\phi_2)\rangle$, where $\phi_1-\phi_2$ is the angular difference in azimuth, is studied as a function of the pseudorapidity difference between particle pairs $\Delta\eta = \eta_1-\eta_2$. Non-zero {\vthree} is directly related to the previously observed large-$\Delta\eta$ narrow-$\Delta\phi$ ridge correlations and has been shown in models to be sensitive to the existence of a low viscosity Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) phase. For sufficiently central collisions, $v_3^2\{2\}$ persist down to an energy of 7.7 GeV suggesting that QGP may be created even in these low energy collisions. In peripheral collisions at these low energies however, $v_3^2\{2\}$ is consistent with zero. When scaled by pseudorapidity density of charged particle multiplicity per participating nucleon pair, $v_3^2\{2\}$ for central collisions shows a minimum near {\snn}$=20$ GeV.
Representative results on $v_3^2\{2\}$ from Au+Au collisions as a function of $\Delta\eta$ for charged hadrons with pT > 0.2 GeV/c and |$\eta$| < 1.
Representative results on $v_3^2\{2\}$ from Au+Au collisions as a function of $\Delta\eta$ for charged hadrons with pT > 0.2 GeV/c and |$\eta$| < 1.
Representative results on $v_3^2\{2\}$ from Au+Au collisions as a function of $\Delta\eta$ for charged hadrons with pT > 0.2 GeV/c and |$\eta$| < 1.
The acceptance-corrected dielectron excess mass spectra, where the known hadronic sources have been subtracted from the inclusive dielectron mass spectra, are reported for the first time at mid-rapidity $|y_{ee}|<1$ in minimum-bias Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 19.6 and 200 GeV. The excess mass spectra are consistently described by a model calculation with a broadened $\rho$ spectral function for $M_{ee}<1.1$ GeV/$c^{2}$. The integrated dielectron excess yield at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 19.6 GeV for $0.4<M_{ee}<0.75$ GeV/$c^2$, normalized to the charged particle multiplicity at mid-rapidity, has a value similar to that in In+In collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 17.3 GeV. For $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV, the normalized excess yield in central collisions is higher than that at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 17.3 GeV and increases from peripheral to central collisions. These measurements indicate that the lifetime of the hot, dense medium created in central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV is longer than those in peripheral collisions and at lower energies.
Reconstructed dielectron unlike-sign pairs, like-sign pairs and signal distributions, together with the signal to background ratio (S/B). All columns are presented as a function of dielectron invariant mass in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 19.6 GeV.
Dielectron invariant mass spectrum in the STAR acceptance (|$y_{ee}$| < 1, 0.2 < $p_T^e$ < 3 GeV/c, |$\eta^e$ | < 1) after efficiency correction in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 19.6 GeV.
Hadronic cocktail consisting of the decays of light hadrons and correlated decays of charm in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 19.6 GeV.
A search for the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) critical point was performed by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, using dynamical fluctuations of unlike particle pairs. Heavy-ion collisions were studied over a large range of collision energies with homogeneous acceptance and excellent particle identification, covering a significant range in the QCD phase diagram where a critical point may be located. Dynamical $K\pi$, $p\pi$, and $Kp$ fluctuations as measured by the STAR experiment in central 0-5\% Au+Au collisions from center-of-mass collision energies $\rm \sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 7.7 to 200 GeV are presented. The observable $\rm \nu_{dyn}$ was used to quantify the magnitude of the dynamical fluctuations in event-by-event measurements of the $K\pi$, $p\pi$, and $Kp$ pairs. The energy dependences of these fluctuations from central 0-5\% Au+Au collisions all demonstrate a smooth evolution with collision energy.
$p\pi$, Kp, and $K\pi$ fluctuations as a function of collision energy, expressed as $v_{dyn,p\pi}$, $v_{dyn,Kp}$, and $v_{dyn,K\pi}$ respectively. Shown are data from central (0-5%) Au+Au collisions at energies from $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$ = 7.7 to 200 GeV from the STAR experiment.
Two-particle azimuthal ($\Delta\phi$) and pseudorapidity ($\Delta\eta$) correlations using a trigger particle with large transverse momentum ($p_T$) in $d$+Au, Cu+Cu and Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{{NN}}}$ =\xspace 62.4 GeV and 200~GeV from the STAR experiment at RHIC are presented. The \ns correlation is separated into a jet-like component, narrow in both $\Delta\phi$ and $\Delta\eta$, and the ridge, narrow in $\Delta\phi$ but broad in $\Delta\eta$. Both components are studied as a function of collision centrality, and the jet-like correlation is studied as a function of the trigger and associated $p_T$. The behavior of the jet-like component is remarkably consistent for different collision systems, suggesting it is produced by fragmentation. The width of the jet-like correlation is found to increase with the system size. The ridge, previously observed in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{{NN}}}$ = 200 GeV, is also found in Cu+Cu collisions and in collisions at $\sqrt{s_{{NN}}}$ =\xspace 62.4 GeV, but is found to be substantially smaller at $\sqrt{s_{{NN}}}$ =\xspace 62.4 GeV than at $\sqrt{s_{{NN}}}$ = 200 GeV for the same average number of participants ($ \langle N_{\mathrm{part}}\rangle$). Measurements of the ridge are compared to models.
Parameterizations of the transverse momentum dependence of the reconstruction efficiency of charged particles in the TPC in various collision systems, energies and centrality bins for the track selection cuts used in this analysis.
The raw correlation in $\Delta\eta$ for di-hadron correlations for 3 $<$ $p_T^{trigger}$ $<$ 6 GeV/$c$ and 1.5 GeV/$c$ $<$ $p_T^{associated}$ $<$ $p_T^{trigger}$ for 0-12% central \Au collisions for $|\Delta\phi|<$ 0.78 before and after the track merging correction is applied. The data have been reflected about $\Delta\eta$=0.
Sample correlations in $\Delta\eta$ ($|\Delta\phi|<$ 0.78) for 3 $<$ $p_T^{trigger}$ $<$ 6 GeV/$c$ and 1.5 GeV/$c$ $<$ $p_T^{associated}$ $<$ $p_T^{trigger}$ for 0-60% Cu+Cu at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62.4 GeV, 0-80% Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 62.4 GeV, 0-95% $d$+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV, 0-60% Cu+Cu at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV, 40-80% Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV, and 0-12% central Au+Au at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. The data are averaged between positive and negative $\Delta\eta$. 5% systematic uncertainty due to track reconstruction efficiency not listed below.
Elliptic flow from nuclear collisions is a hadronic observable sensitive to the early stages of system evolution. We report first results on elliptic flow of charged particles at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN)=130 GeV using the STAR TPC at RHIC. The elliptic flow signal, v_2, averaged over transverse momentum, reaches values of about 6% for relatively peripheral collisions and decreases for the more central collisions. This can be interpreted as the observation of a higher degree of thermalization than at lower collision energies. Pseudorapidity and transverse momentum dependence of elliptic flow are also presented.
Elliptic flow as a function of centrality defined as nch/nmax. Also given is epsilon, the initial space eccentricity of the overlap region, as well as the cumulative fraction of events starting with the most central. From the results of the study of non-flow contributions by different subevent selections and the maximum magnitudes of the first and higher-order harmonics, we estimate a systematic error for v2 of about 0.007, with somewhat smaller uncertainty for the mid-centralities where the resolution of the event plane is high.
Elliptic flow as a function of transverse momen-tum for minimum bias events
We report first results on elliptic flow of identified particles at mid-rapidity in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{NN}}}=130$ GeV using the STAR TPC at RHIC. The elliptic flow as a function of transverse momentum and centrality differs significantly for particles of different masses. This dependence can be accounted for in hydrodynamic models, indicating that the system created shows a behavior consistent with collective hydrodynamical flow. The fit to the data with a simple model gives information on the temperature and flow velocities at freeze-out.
Differential elliptic flow for pions for minimum-bias events, the systematic uncertainty for minimum-bias data is 13%.
Differential elliptic flow for protons + antiprotons for minimum-bias events, the systematic uncertainty for minimum-bias data is 13%.
Differential elliptic flow for kaons for minimum-bias events, the systematic uncertainty for minimum-bias data is 13%.
Two-pion correlation functions in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 130$ GeV have been measured by the STAR (Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC) detector. The source size extracted by fitting the correlations grows with event multiplicity and decreases with transverse momentum. Anomalously large sizes or emission durations, which have been suggested as signals of quark-gluon plasma formation and rehadronization, are not observed. The HBT parameters display a weak energy dependence over a broad range in $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$.
Multiplicity dependence of HBT parameters for low-pT (0.125-0.225 GeV/c) pi- pi- channel. They are Coulomb corrected (5 fm Gaussian source assumed), corrected for merging effects ("bad systematic" for STAR-HBT insiders), and corrected for finite-momentum-resolution effects. Systematic errors are estimated by the size of the merging correction and the effect of varying source size used in the Coulomb correction by +/- 1 fm.
Multiplicity dependence of HBT parameters for low-pT (0.125-0.225 GeV/c) pi+ pi+ channel. They are Coulomb corrected (5 fm Gaussian source assumed), corrected for merging effects ("bad systematic" for STAR-HBT insiders), and corrected for finite-momentum-resolution effects. Systematic errors are estimated by the size of the merging correction and the effect of varying source size used in the Coulomb correction by +/- 1 fm.
mT dependence of HBT parameters for high multiplicity (0-12%) collisions in pi- pi- channel. They are Coulomb corrected (5 fm Gaussian source assumed), corrected for merging effects ("bad systematic" for STAR-HBT insiders), and corrected for finite-momentum-resolution effects. Systematic errors are estimated by the size of the merging correction and the effect of varying source size used in the Coulomb correction by +/- 1 fm.
Data from the first physics run at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=130$ GeV, have been analyzed by the STAR Collaboration using three-pion correlations with charged pions to study whether pions are emitted independently at freezeout. We have made a high-statistics measurement of the three-pion correlation function and calculated the normalized three-particle correlator to obtain a quantitative measurement of the degree of chaoticity of the pion source. It is found that the degree of chaoticity seems to increase with increasing particle multiplicity.
Values for the three-pion correlation function using high multiplicity negative pions. Errors are statistical+systematic.
Three-pion correlator values (r3/2) for positive and negative pions in central and mid-central events. Errors are statistical+systematic.
Three-pion correlator intercept values (r3(0)/2) for positive and negative pions in central and mid-central events compared with other experiments. Errors are statistical+systematic.
The balance function is a new observable based on the principle that charge is locally conserved when particles are pair produced. Balance functions have been measured for charged particle pairs and identified charged pion pairs in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 130 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider using STAR. Balance functions for peripheral collisions have widths consistent with model predictions based on a superposition of nucleon-nucleon scattering. Widths in central collisions are smaller, consistent with trends predicted by models incorporating late hadronization.
The balance function versus ∆η for charged particle pairs from a) central and peripheral Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 130 GeV and mixed events from central and peripheral Au+Au collisions, and b) HIJING events filtered with GEANT [16] and shuffled pseudorapidity events from central and peripheral Au+Au collisions. To guide the eye, Gaussian fits excluding the lowest bin in ∆η are shown. The error bars shown are statistical. The balance function for HIJING events is independent of centrality.
The balance function versus ∆η for charged particle pairs from a) central and peripheral Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 130 GeV and mixed events from central and peripheral Au+Au collisions, and b) HIJING events filtered with GEANT [16] and shuffled pseudorapidity events from central and peripheral Au+Au collisions. To guide the eye, Gaussian fits excluding the lowest bin in ∆η are shown. The error bars shown are statistical. The balance function for HIJING events is independent of centrality.
The width of the balance function for charged particles, $⟨\Delta \eta⟩$, as a function of normalized impact parameter $(b/b_{max})$. Error bars shown are statistical. The width of the balance function from HIJING events is shown as a band whose height reflects the statistical uncertainty. Also shown are the widths from the shuffled pseudorapidity events.
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