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Using a data sample of 448.1×106 ψ(3686) events collected at s√= 3.686 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII, we search for the rare decay J/ψ→ϕe+e− via ψ(3686)→π+π−J/ψ. No signal events are observed and the upper limit on the branching fraction is set to be B(J/ψ→ϕe+e−)<1.2×10−7 at the 90\% confidence level, which is still about one order of magnitude higher than the Standard Model prediction.
Utilizing the dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 at s√=3.773 GeV collected by the BESIII detector, we report the first amplitude analysis and branching fraction measurement of the D0→K−π+π0π0 decay. We investigate the sub-structures and determine the relative fractions and the phases among the different intermediate processes. Our results are used to provide an accurate detection efficiency and allow measurement of B(D0→K−π+π0π0)=(8.86±0.13(stat)±0.19(syst))%.
Born cross sections for the processes e+e− → ωη and e+e− → ωπ0 have been determined for centerof-mass energies between 2.00 and 3.08 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The results obtained in this work are consistent with previous measurements but with improved precision. Two resonant structures are observed. In the e+e− → ωη cross sections, a resonance with a mass of (2176 ± 24 ± 3) MeV/c2 and a width of (89 ± 50 ± 5) MeV is observed with a significance of 6.2σ. Its properties are consistent with the φ(2170). In the e+e− → ωπ0 cross sections, a resonance denoted Y (2040) is observed with a significance of more than 10σ. Its mass and width are determined to be (2034 ± 13 ± 9) MeV/c2 and (234 ± 30 ± 25) MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic.
The Born cross sections of the e+e− → +¯ − and e+e− → −¯ + processes are determined for centerof-mass energy from 2.3864 to 3.0200 GeV with the BESIII detector. The cross section lineshapes can be described properly by a pQCD function and the resulting ratio of effective form factors for the + and − is consistent with 3. In addition, ratios of the + electric and magnetic form factors, |GE /GM |, are obtained at three center-of-mass energies through an analysis of the angular distributions. These measurements, which are studied for the first time in the off-resonance region, provide precision experimental input for understanding baryonic structure. The observed new features of the ± form factors require more theoretical discussions for the hyperons.
We search for an axion-like particle (ALP) a through the process ψ(3686)→π+π−J/ψ, J/ψ→γa, a→γγ in a data sample of (2.71±0.01)×109 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector. No significant ALP signal is observed over the expected background, and the upper limits on the branching fraction of the decay J/ψ→γa and the ALP-photon coupling constant gaγγ are set at 95% confidence level in the mass range of 0.165≤ma≤2.84GeV/c2. The limits on B(J/ψ→γa) range from 8.3×10−8 to 1.8×10−6 over the search region, and the constraints on the ALP-photon coupling are the most stringent to date for 0.165≤ma≤1.468GeV/c2.
Using a dataset of 6.32 fb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− annihilation data collected with the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4178 and 4226 MeV, we have measured the absolute branching fraction of the leptonic decay 𝐷+𝑠→𝜏+𝜈𝜏 via 𝜏+→𝑒+𝜈𝑒¯𝜈𝜏, and find ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜏+𝜈𝜏=(5.27±0.10±0.12)×10−2, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The precision is improved by a factor of 2 compared to the previous best measurement. Combining with 𝑓𝐷+𝑠 from lattice quantum chromodynamics calculations or the |𝑉𝑐𝑠| from the CKMfitter group, we extract |𝑉𝑐𝑠|=0.978±0.009±0.012 and 𝑓𝐷+𝑠=(251.1±2.4±3.0) MeV, respectively. Combining our result with the world averages of ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜏+𝜈𝜏 and ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇, we obtain the ratio of the branching fractions ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜏+𝜈𝜏/ℬ𝐷+𝑠→𝜇+𝜈𝜇=9.72±0.37, which is consistent with the standard model prediction of lepton flavor universality.
he absolute branching fraction of Λ→pμ−ν¯μ is reported for the first time based on an e+e− annihilation sample of ten billion J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector at s√=3.097 GeV. The branching fraction is determined to be B(Λ→pμ−ν¯μ)=[1.48±0.21(stat)±0.08(syst)]×10−4, which is a significant improvement in precision over the previous indirect measurements. Combining this result with the world average of B(Λ→pe−ν¯e), we obtain the ratio, Γ(Λ→pμ−ν¯μ)Γ(Λ→pe−ν¯e), to be 0.178±0.028, which agrees with the standard model prediction assuming lepton flavor universality. The asymmetry of the branching fractions of Λ→pμ−ν¯μ and Λ¯→p¯μ+νμ is also determined, and no evidence for CP violation is found.
We report on a comparison of two possible Λ+c spin hypotheses, J=12 and 32, via the process e+e−→Λ+cΛ¯−c, using the angular distributions of Λ+c decays into pK0S, Λπ+, Σ0π+, and Σ+π0. The data were recorded at s√=4.6 GeV with the BESIII detector and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 587 pb−1. The Λ+c spin is determined to be J=12, with this value favored over the 32 hypothesis with a significance corresponding to more than 6 Gaussian standard deviations.
We search for the semi-leptonic decays Λ + c → Λπ+π−e+νe and Λ + c → pK0 Sπ−e+νe in a sample of 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected in the center-of-mass energy region between 4.600 GeV and 4.699 GeV by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII. No significant signals are observed, and the upper limits on the decay branching fractions are set to be B(Λ+c → Λπ+π−e+νe ) < 3.9 × 10−4 and B(Λ + c → pK0Sπ−e+νe ) < 3.3 × 10−4 at the 90% confidence level, respectively.
We study the electromagnetic Dalitz decay 𝐽/𝜓→𝑒+𝑒−𝜂 and search for dielectron decays of a dark gauge boson (𝛾′) in 𝐽/𝜓→𝛾′𝜂 with the two 𝜂 decay modes 𝜂→𝛾𝛾 and 𝜂→𝜋+𝜋−𝜋0 using (1310.6±7.0)×106 𝐽/𝜓 events collected with the BESIII detector. The branching fraction of 𝐽/𝜓→𝑒+𝑒−𝜂 is measured to be (1.43±0.04(stat)±0.06(syst))×10−5, with a precision that is improved by a factor of 1.5 over the previous BESIII measurement. The corresponding dielectron invariant mass dependent modulus square of the transition form factor is explored for the first time, and the pole mass is determined to be Λ=2.84±0.11(stat)±0.08(syst) GeV/𝑐2. We find no evidence of 𝛾′ production and set 90% confidence level upper limits on the product branching fraction ℬ(𝐽/𝜓→𝛾′𝜂)×ℬ(𝛾′→𝑒+𝑒−) as well as the kinetic mixing strength between the standard model photon and 𝛾′ in the mass range of 0.01≤𝑚𝛾′≤2.4 GeV/𝑐2.
Based on 586 pb−1 of e+e− annihilation data collected at a center-of-mass energy of s√=4.6 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the absolute branching fraction of Λ+c→pK0Sη decays is measured for the first time to be B(Λ+c→pK0Sη)=(0.414±0.084±0.028)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The result is compatible with a previous CLEO result on the relative branching fraction B(Λ+c→pK0Sη)B(Λ+c→pK−π+), and consistent with theoretical predictions of SU(3) flavor symmetry.
We report a search for a dark photon using 14.9~fb−1 of e+e− annihilation data taken at center-of-mass energies from 4.13 to 4.60~GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII storage ring. The dark photon is assumed to be produced in the radiative annihilation process of e+e− and to predominantly decay into light dark matter particles, which escape from the detector undetected. The mass range from 1.5 to 2.9~GeV is scanned for the dark photon candidate, and no significant signal is observed. The mass dependent upper limits at the 90% confidence level on the coupling strength parameter ϵ for a dark photon coupling with an ordinary photon vary between 1.6×10−3 and 5.7×10−3.
Using an 𝑒+𝑒− collision data sample of 2.93 fb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV by the BESIII detector at BEPCII, we report the observation of 𝐷0→𝑎0(980)−𝑒+𝜈𝑒 and evidence for 𝐷+→𝑎0(980)0𝑒+𝜈𝑒 with significances of 6.4𝜎 and 2.9𝜎, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are determined to be ℬ(𝐷0→𝑎0(980)−𝑒+𝜈𝑒)×ℬ(𝑎0(980)−→𝜂𝜋−) = [1.33+0.33−0.29(stat)±0.09(syst)]×10−4 and ℬ(𝐷+→𝑎0(980)0𝑒+𝜈𝑒)×ℬ(𝑎0(980)0→𝜂𝜋0)=[1.66+0.81
−0.66(stat)±0.11(syst)]×10−4. This is the first time the 𝑎0(980) meson has been measured in a 𝐷0 semileptonic decay, which would open one more interesting page in the investigation of the nature of the puzzling 𝑎0(980) states.
Measurement of branching fractions for D meson decaying into ϕ meson and a pseudoscalar meson
(2019)
The four decay modes D0 → φπ0, D0 → φη, D+ → φπ+, and D+ → φK + are studied by using a data sample taken at the centre-of-mass energy √s = 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1. The branching fractions of the first three decay modes are measured to be B(D0 → φπ0) = (1.168 ± 0.028 ± 0.028) × 10−3, B(D0 → φη) = (1.81 ± 0.46 ± 0.06) × 10−4, and B(D+ → φπ+) = (5.70 ± 0.05 ± 0.13) × 10−3, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. In addition, the upper limit of the branching fraction for D+ → φK+ is given to be 2.1 × 10−5 at the 90% confidence level. The ratio of B(D0 → φπ0) to B(D+ → φπ+) is calculated to be (20.49 ± 0.50 ± 0.45)%, which is consistent with the theoretical prediction based on isospin symmetry between these two decay modes.
Relative fractions and phases of the intermediate decays are determined. With the detection efficiency estimated by the results of the amplitude analysis, the branching fraction of Dþ s → K−Kþπþπ0 decay is measured to be ð5.42 0.10stat 0.17systÞ%.
Based on 4.481×108 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the branching fraction of the isospin violating decay ψ(3686)→Σ¯0Λ+c.c. is measured to be (1.60±0.31±0.13 ± 0.58)×10−6, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third is the uncertainty arising from interference with the continuum. This result is significantly smaller than the measurement based on CLEO-c data sets. The decays χcJ→ΛΛ¯ are measured via ψ(3686)→γχcJ, and the branching fractions are determined to be B(χc0→ΛΛ¯)=(3.64±0.10±0.10±0.07)×10−4, B(χc1→ΛΛ¯)=(1.31±0.06±0.06±0.03)×10−4, B(χc2→ΛΛ¯)=(1.91±0.08±0.17±0.04)×10−4, where the third uncertainties are systematic due to the ψ(3686)→γχcJ branching fractions.
Using a data sample of 448.1 × 106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we report the first observation of the electromagnetic Dalitz decay ψ(3686) → η e+e−, with significances of 7.0σ and 6.3σ when reconstructing the η meson via its decay modes η → γπ+π− and η → π+π−η (η → γγ ), respectively. The weighted average branching fraction is determined to be B(ψ(3686) → η e+e−) = (1.90 ± 0.25 ± 0.11) × 10−6, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic.
Using the data samples collected in the energy range from 3.773 to 4.600 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, we measure the dressed cross sections as a function of center-of-mass energy for 𝑒+𝑒−→𝐾+𝐾−𝜋+𝜋−(𝜋0), 𝐾+𝐾−𝐾+𝐾−(𝜋0), 𝜋+𝜋−𝜋+𝜋−(𝜋0), and 𝑝¯𝑝𝜋+𝜋−(𝜋0). The cross sections for 𝑒+𝑒−→𝐾+𝐾−𝐾+𝐾−𝜋0, 𝑝¯𝑝𝜋+𝜋−(𝜋0) are the first measurements. Cross sections for the other five channels are much more precise than previous results in this energy region. We also search for charmonium and charmonium-like resonances, such as the 𝑌(4230), decaying into the same final states. We find evidence of the 𝜓(4040) decaying to 𝜋+𝜋−𝜋+𝜋−𝜋0 with a statistical significance of 3.6𝜎. Upper limits are provided for other decays since no clear signals are observed.
Using e+e− collision data at ten center-of-mass energies between 2.644 and 3.080 GeV collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 500 pb−1, we measure the cross sections and effective form factors for the process e+e−→Ξ0Ξ¯0 utilizing a single-tag method. A fit to the cross section of e+e−→Ξ0Ξ¯0 with a pQCD-driven power function is performed, from which no significant resonance or threshold enhancement is observed. In addition, the ratio of cross sections for the processes e+e−→Ξ−Ξ¯+ and Ξ0Ξ¯0 is calculated using recent BESIII measurement and is found to be compatible with expectation from isospin symmetry.
We report the first observation of the decay Λ+c→Σ−π+π+π0, based on data obtained in e+e− annihilations with an integrated luminosity of 567~pb−1 at s√=4.6~GeV. The data were collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage rings. The absolute branching fraction B(Λ+c→Σ−π+π+π0) is determined to be (2.11±0.33(stat.)±0.14(syst.))%. In addition, an improved measurement of B(Λ+c→Σ−π+π+) is determined as (1.81±0.17(stat.)±0.09(syst.))%.
Using data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider at six center-of-mass energies between 4.008 and 4.600 GeV, we observe the processes e+e− → φφω and e+e− → φφφ. The Born cross sections are measured and the ratio of the cross sections σ(e+e− → φφω)/σ(e+e− → φφφ) is estimated to be 1.75 ± 0.22 ± 0.19 averaged over six energy points, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The results represent first measurements of these interactions.
We study the decays of J/ψ and ψ(3686) to the final states Σ(1385)0Σ¯(1385)0 and Ξ0Ξ¯0 based on a single baryon tag method using data samples of (1310.6±7.0)×106 J/ψ and (447.9±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The decays to Σ(1385)0Σ¯(1385)0 are observed for the first time. The measured branching fractions of J/ψ and ψ(3686)→Ξ0Ξ¯0 are in good agreement with, and much more precise, than the previously published results. The angular parameters for these decays are also measured for the first time. The measured angular decay parameter for J/ψ→Σ(1385)0Σ¯(1385)0, α=−0.64±0.03±0.10, is found to be negative, different to the other decay processes in this measurement. In addition, the "12\% rule" and isospin symmetry in the J/ψ and ψ(3686)→ΞΞ¯ and Σ(1385)Σ¯(1385) systems are tested.
We report the first measurements of absolute branching fractions for the W -exchange-only processes + c → 0K + and + c → (1530)0K + with the double-tag technique, by analyzing an e+e− collision data sample, that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 567 pb−1 collected at a center-of-mass energy of 4.6 GeV by the BESIII detector. The branching fractions are measured to be B(+c → 0K +) = (5.90 ± 0.86 ± 0.39) × 10−3 and B(+c → (1530)0K +) = (5.02 ± 0.99 ± 0.31) × 10−3, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. Our results are more precise than the previous relative measurements.
Using 16 energy points of e+e− annihilation data collected in the vicinity of the J/ψ resonance with the BESIII detector and with a total integrated luminosity of around 100 pb−1, we study the relative phase between the strong and electromagnetic amplitudes of J/ψ decays. The relative phase between J/ψ electromagnetic decay and the continuum process (e+e− annihilation without the J/ψ resonance) is confirmed to be zero by studying the cross section lineshape of μ+μ− production. The relative phase between J/ψ strong and electromagnetic decays is then measured to be (84.9 ± 3.6)◦ or (−84.7 ± 3.1)◦ for the 2(π+π−)π0 final state by investigating the interference pattern between the J/ψ decay and the continuum process. This is the first measurement of the relative phase between J/ψ strong and electromagnetic decays into a multihadron final state using the lineshape of the production cross section. We also study the production lineshape of the multihadron final state ηπ+π− with η → π+π−π0, which provides additional information about the phase between the J/ψ electromagnetic decay amplitude and the continuum process. Additionally, the branching fraction of J/ψ → 2(π+π−)π0 is measured to be (4.73 ± 0.44)% or (4.85 ± 0.45)%, and the branching fraction of J/ψ → ηπ+π− is measured to be (3.78 ± 0.68) × 10−4. Both of them are consistent with the world average values. The quoted uncertainties include both statistical and systematic uncertainties, which are mainly caused by the low statistics.
We report the first measurement of the absolute branching fraction for Λ+c→Λμ+νμ. This measurement is based on a sample of e+e− annihilation data at a center-of-mass energy of s√=4.6 GeV collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage rings. The sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 567 pb−1. The branching fraction is determined to be B(Λ+c→Λμ+νμ)=(3.49±0.46(stat)±0.27(syst))%. In addition, we calculate the ratio B(Λ+c→Λμ+νμ)/B(Λ+c→Λe+νe) to be 0.96±0.16(stat)±0.04(syst).
Measurements of the branching fractions for D⁺ → Kₛ⁰Kₛ⁰K⁺, Kₛ⁰Kₛ⁰π⁺ and D⁰ → Kₛ⁰Kₛ⁰, Kₛ⁰Kₛ⁰Kₛ⁰
(2016)
By analyzing 2.93 fb−1 of data taken at the ψ(3770) resonance peak with the BESIII detector, we measure the branching fractions for the hadronic decays D+ → K0S K0S K +, D+ → K0S K0Sπ+, D0 → K0S K0S and D0 → K0S K0S K0S . They are determined to be B(D+ → K0S K0S K +) = (2.54 ± 0.05stat. ± 0.12sys.) × 10−3, B(D+ → K0S K0Sπ+) = (2.70 ± 0.05stat. ± 0.12sys.) × 10−3, B(D0 → K0S K0S ) = (1.67 ± 0.11stat. ± 0.11sys.) × 10−4 and B(D0 → K0S K0S K0S ) = (7.21 ± 0.33stat. ± 0.44sys.) × 10−4, where the second one is measured for the first time and the others are measured with significantly improved precision over the previous measurements.
Measurements of cross section of e⁺e⁻ → pp¯π⁰ at center-of-mass energies between 4.008 and 4.600 GeV
(2017)
Based on e+e− annihilation data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider at 13 center-of-mass energies from 4.008 to 4.600 GeV, measurements of the Born cross section of e+e− → pp¯π0 are performed. No significant resonant structure is observed in the measured energy dependence of the cross section. The upper limit on the Born cross section of e+e− → Y (4260) → pp¯π0 at the 90% C.L. is determined to be 0.01 pb. The upper limit on the ratio of the branching fractions B(Y (4260)→pp¯π0) B(Y (4260)→π+π− J/ψ) at the 90% C.L. is determined to be 0.02%.
Using a data sample of e+e− collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 collected with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of s=3.773GeV, we search for the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays D0→π0π0π0, π0π0η, π0ηη and ηηη using the double tag method. The absolute branching fractions are measured to be B(D0→π0π0π0)=(2.0±0.4±0.3)×10−4, B(D0→π0π0η)=(3.8±1.1±0.7)×10−4 and B(D0→π0ηη)=(7.3±1.6±1.5)×10−4 with the statistical significances of 4.8σ, 3.8σ and 5.5σ, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones systematic. No significant signal of D0→ηηη is found, and the upper limit on its decay branching fraction is set to be B(D0→ηηη)<1.3×10−4 at the 90% confidence level.
The electromagnetic process is studied with the initial-state-radiation technique using 7.5 fb−1 of data collected by the BESIII experiment at seven energy points from 3.773 to 4.600 GeV. The Born cross section and the effective form factor of the proton are measured from the production threshold to 3.0 GeV/ using the invariant-mass spectrum. The ratio of electric and magnetic form factors of the proton is determined from the analysis of the proton-helicity angular distribution.
Measurement of the e+e−→π+π− cross section between 600 and 900 MeV using initial state radiation
(2016)
We extract the e+e− →π+π− cross section in the energy range between 600 and 900 MeV, exploiting the method of initial state radiation. A data set with an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider is used. The cross section is measured with a systematic uncertainty of 0.9%. We extract the pion form factor |Fπ|2 as well as the contribution of the measured cross section to the leading-order hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to (g−2)μ. We find this value to be aππ,LO μ (600–900 MeV) = (368.2 ±2.5stat±3.3sys) ·10−10, which is between the corresponding values using the BaBar or KLOE data.
Effect of event selection on jetlike correlation measurement in d+Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV
(2015)
Dihadron correlations are analyzed in √sNN = 200 GeV d + Au collisions classified by forward charged particle multiplicity and zero-degree neutral energy in the Au-beam direction. It is found that the jetlike correlated yield increases with the event multiplicity. After taking into account this dependence, the non-jet contribution on the away side is minimal, leaving little room for a back-to-back ridge in these collisions.
Rapidity-odd directed flow measurements at midrapidity are presented for Λ, Λ¯, K±, K0s and ϕ at sNN−−−−√= 7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27, 39, 62.4 and 200 GeV in Au+Au collisions recorded by the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. These measurements greatly expand the scope of data available to constrain models with differing prescriptions for the equation of state of quantum chromodynamics. Results show good sensitivity for testing a picture where flow is assumed to be imposed before hadron formation and the observed particles are assumed to form via coalescence of constituent quarks. The pattern of departure from a coalescence-inspired sum-rule can be a valuable new tool for probing the collision dynamics.
Dihadron angular correlations in d + Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV are reported as a function of the measured zero-degree calorimeter neutral energy and the forward charged hadron multiplicity in the Au-beam direction. A finite correlated yield is observed at large relative pseudorapidity (η) on the near side (i.e. relative azimuth φ ∼ 0). This correlated yield as a function of η appears to scale with the dominant, primarily jet-related, away-side (φ ∼ π) yield. The Fourier coefficients of the φ correlation, Vn = (cosnφ), have a strong η dependence. In addition, it is found that V1 is approximately inversely proportional to the mid-rapidity event multiplicity, while V2 is independent of it with similar magnitude in the forward (d-going) and backward (Au-going) directions.
We report on the measurement of the Central Exclusive Production of charged particle pairs h+h− (h = π, K, p) with the STAR detector at RHIC in proton-proton collisions at √s = 200 GeV. The charged particle pairs produced in the reaction pp → p′ + h+h− + p′ are reconstructed from the tracks in the central detector and identified using the specific energy loss and the time of flight method, while the forward-scattered protons are measured in the Roman Pot system. Exclusivity of the event is guaranteed by requiring the transverse momentum balance of all four final-state particles. Differential cross sections are measured as functions of observables related to the central hadronic final state and to the forward-scattered protons. They are measured in a fiducial region corresponding to the acceptance of the STAR detector and determined by the central particles’ transverse momenta and pseudorapidities as well as by the forward-scattered protons’ momenta. This fiducial region roughly corresponds to the square of the four-momentum transfers at the proton vertices in the range 0.04 GeV2 < −t1, −t2 < 0.2 GeV2, invariant masses of the charged particle pairs up to a few GeV and pseudorapidities of the centrally-produced hadrons in the range |η| < 0.7. The measured cross sections are compared to phenomenological predictions based on the Double Pomeron Exchange (DPE) model. Structures observed in the mass spectra of π+π− and K+K− pairs are consistent with the DPE model, while angular distributions of pions suggest a dominant spin-0 contribution to π+π− production. For π+π− production, the fiducial cross section is extrapolated to the Lorentz-invariant region, which allows decomposition of the invariant mass spectrum into continuum and resonant contributions. The extrapolated cross section is well described by the continuum production and at least three resonances, the f0(980), f2(1270) and f0(1500), with a possible small contribution from the f0(1370). Fits to the extrapolated differential cross section as a function of t1 and t2 enable extraction of the exponential slope parameters in several bins of the invariant mass of π+π− pairs. These parameters are sensitive to the size of the interaction region.
The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of the transverse single-spin asymmetry (TSSA) of inclusive 𝜋0 at center-of-mass energies (√𝑠) of 200 GeV and 500 GeV in transversely polarized proton-proton collisions in the pseudo-rapidity region 2.7 to 4.0. The results at the two different energies show a continuous increase of the TSSA with Feynman-𝑥, and, when compared to previous measurements, no dependence on √𝑠 from 19.4 GeV to 500 GeV is found. To investigate the underlying physics leading to this large TSSA, different topologies have been studied. 𝜋0 with no nearby particles tend to have a higher TSSA than inclusive 𝜋0. The TSSA for inclusive electromagnetic jets, sensitive to the Sivers effect in the initial state, is substantially smaller, but shows the same behavior as the inclusive 𝜋0 asymmetry as a function of Feynman-𝑥. To investigate final-state effects, the Collins asymmetry of 𝜋0 inside electromagnetic jets has been measured. The Collins asymmetry is analyzed for its dependence on the 𝜋0 momentum transverse to the jet thrust axis and its dependence on the fraction of jet energy carried by the 𝜋0. The asymmetry was found to be small in each case for both center-of-mass energies. All the measurements are compared to QCD-based theoretical calculations for transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions and fragmentation functions. Some discrepancies are found, which indicates new mechanisms might be involved.
Measurement of inclusive charged-particle jet production in Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV
(2021)
The STAR Collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider reports the first measurement of inclusive jet production in peripheral and central Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−−√=200 GeV. Jets are reconstructed with the anti-kT algorithm using charged tracks with pseudorapidity |η|<1.0 and transverse momentum 0.2<pchT,jet<30 GeV/c, with jet resolution parameter R=0.2, 0.3, and 0.4. The large background yield uncorrelated with the jet signal is observed to be dominated by statistical phase space, consistent with a previous coincidence measurement. This background is suppressed by requiring a high-transverse-momentum (high-pT) leading hadron in accepted jet candidates. The bias imposed by this requirement is assessed, and the pT region in which the bias is small is identified. Inclusive charged-particle jet distributions are reported in peripheral and central Au+Au collisions for 5<pchT,jet<25 GeV/c and 5<pchT,jet<30 GeV/c, respectively. The charged-particle jet inclusive yield is suppressed for central Au+Au collisions, compared to both the peripheral Au+Au yield from this measurement and to the pp yield calculated using the PYTHIA event generator. The magnitude of the suppression is consistent with that of inclusive hadron production at high pT, and that of semi-inclusive recoil jet yield when expressed in terms of energy loss due to medium-induced energy transport. Comparison of inclusive charged-particle jet yields for different values of R exhibits no significant evidence for medium-induced broadening of the transverse jet profile for R<0.4 in central Au+Au collisions. The measured distributions are consistent with theoretical model calculations that incorporate jet quenching.
Measurement of inclusive J/ψ polarization in p + p collisions at √s=200 GeV by the STAR experiment
(2020)
We report on new measurements of inclusive 𝐽/𝜓 polarization at midrapidity in 𝑝+𝑝 collisions at √𝑠=200 GeV by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The polarization parameters, 𝜆𝜃, 𝜆𝜙, and 𝜆𝜃𝜙, are measured as a function of transverse momentum (𝑝T) in both the helicity and Collins-Soper (CS) reference frames within 𝑝T<10 GeV/𝑐. Except for 𝜆𝜃 in the CS frame at the highest measured 𝑝T, all three polarization parameters are consistent with 0 in both reference frames without any strong 𝑝T dependence. Several model calculations are compared with data, and the one using the Color Glass Condensate effective field theory coupled with nonrelativistic QCD gives the best overall description of the experimental results, even though other models cannot be ruled out due to experimental uncertainties.
Measurement of inclusive charged-particle jet production in Au + Au collisions at √sNN=200 GeV
(2020)
The STAR Collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider reports the first measurement of inclusive jet production in peripheral and central Au+Au collisions at √𝑠𝑁𝑁=200 GeV. Jets are reconstructed with the anti-𝑘𝑇 algorithm using charged tracks with pseudorapidity |𝜂|<1.0 and transverse momentum 0.2<𝑝ch
𝑇,jet<30 GeV/𝑐, with jet resolution parameter 𝑅=0.2, 0.3, and 0.4. The large background yield uncorrelated with the jet signal is observed to be dominated by statistical phase space, consistent with a previous coincidence measurement. This background is suppressed by requiring a high-transverse-momentum (high-𝑝𝑇) leading hadron in accepted jet candidates. The bias imposed by this requirement is assessed, and the 𝑝𝑇 region in which the bias is small is identified. Inclusive charged-particle jet distributions are reported in peripheral and central Au+Au collisions for 5<𝑝ch
𝑇,jet<25 GeV/𝑐 and 5<𝑝ch
𝑇,jet<30 GeV/𝑐, respectively. The charged-particle jet inclusive yield is suppressed for central Au+Au collisions, compared to both the peripheral Au+Au yield from this measurement and to the 𝑝𝑝 yield calculated using the PYTHIA event generator. The magnitude of the suppression is consistent with that of inclusive hadron production at high 𝑝𝑇 and that of semi-inclusive recoil jet yield when expressed in terms of energy loss due to medium-induced energy transport. Comparison of inclusive charged-particle jet yields for different values of 𝑅 exhibits no significant evidence for medium-induced broadening of the transverse jet profile for 𝑅 <0.4 in central Au+Au collisions. The measured distributions are consistent with theoretical model calculations that incorporate jet quenching.
We report new STAR measurements of the single-spin asymmetries 𝐴𝐿 for 𝑊+ and 𝑊− bosons produced in polarized proton-proton collisions at √𝑠=510 GeV as a function of the decay-positron and decay-electron pseudorapidity. The data were obtained in 2013 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 250 pb−1. The results are combined with previous results obtained with 86 pb−1. A comparison with theoretical expectations based on polarized lepton-nucleon deep-inelastic scattering and prior polarized proton-proton data suggests a difference between the ¯𝑢 and ¯𝑑 quark helicity distributions for 0.05<𝑥<0.25. In addition, we report new results for the double-spin asymmetries 𝐴𝐿𝐿 for 𝑊±, as well as 𝐴𝐿 for 𝑍/𝛾* production and subsequent decay into electron-positron pairs.
Transverse spin transfer to Λ and ¯Λ hyperons in polarized proton-proton collisions at √𝑠=200 GeV
(2018)
The transverse spin transfer from polarized protons to Λ and Λ¯ hyperons is expected to provide sensitivity to the transversity distribution of the nucleon and to the transversely polarized fragmentation functions. We report the first measurement of the transverse spin transfer to Λ and Λ¯ along the polarization direction of the fragmenting quark, DTT, in transversely polarized proton-proton collisions at s√=200GeV with the STAR detector at RHIC. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 18pb−1 and cover the pseudorapidity range |η|<1.2 and transverse momenta pT up to 8GeV/c. The dependence on pT and η are presented. The DTT results are found to be comparable with a model prediction, and are also consistent with zero within uncertainties.
We present measurements of the differential cross sections of inclusive J/ψ meson production as a function of transverse momentum (pJ/ψT) using the μ+μ− and e+e− decay channels in proton+proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 510 and 500 GeV, respectively, recorded by the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The measurement from the μ+μ− channel is for 0 <pJ/ψT< 9 GeV/c and rapidity range |yJ/ψ|< 0.4, and that from the e+e− channel is for 4 <pJ/ψT< 20 GeV/c and |yJ/ψ|< 1.0. The ψ(2S) to J/ψ ratio is also measured for 4 <pmesonT< 12 GeV/c through the e+e− decay channel. Model calculations, which incorporate different approaches toward the J/ψ production mechanism, are compared with experimental results and show reasonable agreement within uncertainties.
We report on the first measurements of J/ψ production at very low transverse momentum (pT< 0.2 GeV/c) in hadronic Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV and U+U collisions at √sNN = 193 GeV. Remarkably, the inferred nuclear modification factor of J/ψ at mid-rapidity in Au+Au (U+U) collisions reaches about 24 (52) for pT< 0.05 GeV/c in the 60-80% collision centrality class. This noteworthy enhancement cannot be explained by hadronic production accompanied by cold and hot medium effects. In addition, the dN/dt distribution of J/ψ for the very low pT range is presented for the first time. The distribution is consistent with that expected from the Au nucleus and shows a hint of interference. Comparison of the measurements to theoretical calculations of coherent production shows that the excess yield can be described reasonably well and reveals a partial disruption of coherent production in semi-central collisions, perhaps due to the violent hadronic interactions. Incorporating theoretical calculations, the results strongly suggest that the dramatic enhancement of J/ψ yield observed at extremely low pT originates from coherent photon-nucleus interactions. In particular, coherently produced J/ψ's in violent hadronic collisions may provide a novel probe of the quark-gluon-plasma.
We report on the first measurements of J/ψ production at very low transverse momentum (pT< 0.2 GeV/c) in hadronic Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV and U+U collisions at √sNN = 193 GeV. Remarkably, the inferred nuclear modification factor of J/ψ at mid-rapidity in Au+Au (U+U) collisions reaches about 24 (52) for pT< 0.05 GeV/c in the 60-80% collision centrality class. This noteworthy enhancement cannot be explained by hadronic production accompanied by cold and hot medium effects. In addition, the dN/dt distribution of J/ψ for the very low pT range is presented for the first time. The distribution is consistent with that expected from the Au nucleus and shows a hint of interference. Comparison of the measurements to theoretical calculations of coherent production shows that the excess yield can be described reasonably well and reveals a partial disruption of coherent production in semi-central collisions, perhaps due to the violent hadronic interactions. Incorporating theoretical calculations, the results strongly suggest that the dramatic enhancement of J/ψ yield observed at extremely low pT originates from coherent photon-nucleus interactions. In particular, coherently produced J/ψ's in violent hadronic collisions may provide a novel probe of the quark-gluon-plasma.
We report measurements of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry, ALL, for inclusive jet and dijet production in polarized proton-proton collisions at midrapidity and center-of-mass energy s√ = 510 GeV, using the high luminosity data sample collected by the STAR experiment in 2013. These measurements complement and improve the precision of previous STAR measurements at the same center-of-mass energy that probe the polarized gluon distribution function at partonic momentum fraction 0.015 ≲x≲ 0.25. The dijet asymmetries are separated into four jet-pair topologies, which provide further constraints on the x dependence of the polarized gluon distribution function. These measurements are in agreement with previous STAR measurements and with predictions from current next-to-leading order global analyses. They provide more precise data at low dijet invariant mass that will better constraint the shape of the polarized gluon distribution function of the proton.
The linear and mode-coupled contributions to higher-order anisotropic flow are presented for Au+Au collisions at √sN N = 27, 39, 54.4, and 200 GeV and compared to similar measurements for Pb+Pb collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The coefficients and the flow harmonics’ correlations, which characterize the linear and mode-coupled response to the lower-order anisotropies, indicate a beam energy dependence consistent with an influence from the specific shear viscosity (η/s). In contrast, the dimensionless coefficients, mode-coupled response coefficients, and normalized symmetric cumulants are approximately beam-energy independent, consistent with a significant role from initialstate effects. These measurements could provide unique supplemental constraints to (i) distinguish between different initial-state models and (ii) delineate the temperature (T ) and baryon chemical potential (μB ) dependence of the specific shear viscosity η s (T ,μB ).
Elliptic flow of heavy-flavor decay electrons in Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 27 and 54.4 GeV at RHIC
(2023)
We report on new measurements of elliptic flow (v2) of electrons from heavy-flavor hadron decays at mid-rapidity (|y|<0.8) in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√ = 27 and 54.4 GeV from the STAR experiment. Heavy-flavor decay electrons (eHF) in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√ = 54.4 GeV exhibit a non-zero v2 in the transverse momentum (pT) region of pT< 2 GeV/c with the magnitude comparable to that at sNN−−−√=200 GeV. The measured eHF v2 at 54.4 GeV is also consistent with the expectation of their parent charm hadron v2 following number-of-constituent-quark scaling as other light and strange flavor hadrons at this energy. These suggest that charm quarks gain significant collectivity through the evolution of the QCD medium and may reach local thermal equilibrium in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√=54.4 GeV. The measured eHF v2 in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√= 27 GeV is consistent with zero within large uncertainties. The energy dependence of v2 for different flavor particles (π,ϕ,D0/eHF) shows an indication of quark mass hierarchy in reaching thermalization in high-energy nuclear collisions.
Density fluctuations near the QCD critical point can be probed via an intermittency analysis in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We report the first measurement of intermittency in Au+Au collisions at √sNN = 7.7-200 GeV measured by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The scaled factorial moments of identified charged hadrons are analyzed at mid-rapidity and within the transverse momentum phase space. We observe a power-law behavior of scaled factorial moments in Au+Au collisions and a decrease in the extracted scaling exponent (ν) from peripheral to central collisions. The ν is consistent with a constant for different collisions energies in the mid-central (10-40%) collisions. Moreover, the ν in the 0-5% most central Au+Au collisions exhibits a non-monotonic energy dependence that reaches a minimum around √sNN = 27 GeV. The physics implications on the QCD phase structure are discussed.
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 |yee|<1 in minimum-bias Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−−√ = 19.6 and 200 GeV. The excess mass spectra are consistently described by a model calculation with a broadened ρ spectral function for Mee<1.1 GeV/c2. The integrated dielectron excess yield at sNN−−−−√ = 19.6 GeV for 0.4<Mee<0.75 GeV/c2, normalized to the charged particle multiplicity at mid-rapidity, has a value similar to that in In+In collisions at sNN−−−−√ = 17.3 GeV. For sNN−−−−√ = 200 GeV, the normalized excess yield in central collisions is higher than that at sNN−−−−√ = 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 sNN−−−−√ = 200 GeV is longer than those in peripheral collisions and at lower energies.