Refine
Year of publication
Document Type
- Article (214)
- Preprint (194)
- Part of Periodical (1)
- Working Paper (1)
Language
- English (410)
Has Fulltext
- yes (410)
Is part of the Bibliography
- no (410)
Keywords
- BESIII (17)
- e +-e − Experiments (13)
- Branching fraction (9)
- Particle and Resonance Production (7)
- Quarkonium (6)
- Spectroscopy (6)
- Hadronic decays (5)
- Branching fractions (4)
- Charm Physics (4)
- Exotics (4)
Institute
We report results on an elastic cross section measurement in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy s√=510 GeV, obtained with the Roman Pot setup of the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The elastic differential cross section is measured in the four-momentum transfer squared range 0.23≤−t≤0.67 GeV2. We find that a constant slope B does not fit the data in the aforementioned t range, and we obtain a much better fit using a second-order polynomial for B(t). The t dependence of B is determined using six subintervals of t in the STAR measured t range, and is in good agreement with the phenomenological models. The measured elastic differential cross section dσ/dt agrees well with the results obtained at s√=546 GeV for proton--antiproton collisions by the UA4 experiment. We also determine that the integrated elastic cross section within the STAR t-range is σfidel=462.1±0.9(stat.)±1.1(syst.)±11.6(scale) μb.
The radiative hyperon decay Λ→nγ is studied using (10087±44)×106 J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector operating at BEPCII. The absolute branching fraction of the decay Λ→nγ is determined with a significance of 5.6σ to be [0.832±0.038(stat.)±0.054(syst.)]×10−3, which lies significantly below the current PDG value. By analyzing the joint angular distribution of the decay products, the first determination of the decay asymmetry αγ is reported with a value of −0.16±0.10(stat.)±0.05(syst.).
Observation of ηc(2S) → 3(π⁺π⁻) and measurements of χcJ → 3(π⁺π⁻) in ψ(3686) radiative transitions
(2022)
The hadronic decay 𝜂𝑐(2𝑆)→3(𝜋+𝜋−) is observed with a statistical significance of 9.3 standard deviations using (448.1±2.9)×106 𝜓(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The measured mass and width of 𝜂𝑐(2𝑆) are (3643.4±2.3 (stat)±4.4 (syst)) MeV/𝑐2 and (19.8±3.9 (stat)±3.1 (syst)) MeV, respectively, which are consistent with the world average values within two standard deviations. The product branching fraction ℬ[𝜓(3686)→𝛾𝜂𝑐(2𝑆)]×ℬ[𝜂𝑐(2𝑆)→3(𝜋+𝜋−)] is measured to be (9.2±1.0 (stat)±1.2 (syst))×10−6. Using ℬ[𝜓(3686)→𝛾𝜂𝑐(2𝑆)]=(7.0+3.4−2.5)×10−4, we obtain ℬ[𝜂𝑐(2𝑆)→3(𝜋+𝜋−)]=(1.31±0.15 (stat)±0.17 (syst) (+0.64−0.47) (extr))×10−2, where the third uncertainty is from ℬ[𝜓(3686)→𝛾𝜂𝑐(2𝑆)]. We also measure the 𝜒𝑐𝐽→3(𝜋+𝜋−) (𝐽=0, 1, 2) decays via 𝜓′→𝛾𝜒𝑐𝐽 transitions. The branching fractions are ℬ[𝜒𝑐0→3(𝜋+𝜋−)]=(2.080±0.006 (stat)±0.068 (syst))×10−2, ℬ[𝜒𝑐1→3(𝜋+𝜋−)]=(1.092±0.004 (stat)±0.035 (syst))×10−2, and ℬ[𝜒𝑐2→3(𝜋+𝜋−)]=(1.565±0.005 (stat)±0.048 (syst))×10−2.
The cross sections of e+e−→K+K−J/ψ at center-of-mass energies from 4.127 to 4.600~GeV are measured based on 15.6 fb−1 data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two resonant structures are observed in the line shape of the cross sections. The mass and width of the first structure are measured to be (4225.3±2.3±21.5) MeV and (72.9±6.1±30.8)~MeV, respectively. They are consistent with those of the established Y(4230). The second structure is observed for the first time with a statistical significance greater than 8σ, denoted as Y(4500). Its mass and width are determined to be (4484.7±13.3±24.1) MeV and (111.1±30.1±15.2) MeV, respectively. The first presented uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. The product of the electronic partial width with the decay branching fraction Γ(Y(4230)→e+e−)B(Y(4230)→K+K−J/ψ) is reported.
The polarization of Λ and Λ¯ hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild pT dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagree with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and pT dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.
We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants (C5, C6) and factorial cumulants (κ5, κ6) of net-proton and proton distributions, from sNN−−−−√=3−200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. The net-proton cumulant ratios generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at sNN−−−−√ = 3 GeV. C6/C2 for 0-40\% centrality collisions is increasingly negative with decreasing sNN−−−−√, while it is positive for the lowest sNN−−−−√ studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (at baryon chemical potential, μB≤ 110 MeV) that include a crossover quark-hadron transition. In addition, for sNN−−−−√≥ 11.5 GeV, the measured proton κn, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component shape of proton distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyper-order proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, μB∼750 MeV (sNN−−−−√ = 3 GeV) is starkly different from those at vanishing μB∼20MeV (sNN−−−−√ = 200 GeV and higher).
By analyzing e+e− annihilation data with an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1 collected at the center-of-mass energy s√= 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, we present the first absolute measurements of the branching fractions of twenty Cabibbo-suppressed hadronic D0(+) decays involving multiple pions. The largest four branching fractions obtained are B(D0→π+π−π0) = >(1.343±0.013stat±0.016syst)%, B(D0→π+π−2π0) = (0.998±0.019stat±0.024syst)%, B(D+→2π+π−π0)
(1.174±0.021stat±0.021syst)%, and B(D+→2π+π−2π0) = (1.074±0.040stat±0.030syst)%. The CP asymmetries for the six decays with highest event yields are also determined.
A decisive experimental test of the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) is considered one of the major scientific goals at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) towards understanding the nontrivial topological fluctuations of the Quantum Chromodynamics vacuum. In heavy-ion collisions, the CME is expected to result in a charge separation phenomenon across the reaction plane, whose strength could be strongly energy dependent. The previous CME searches have been focused on top RHIC energy collisions. In this Letter, we present a low energy search for the CME in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√=27 GeV. We measure elliptic flow scaled charge-dependent correlators relative to the event planes that are defined at both mid-rapidity |η|<1.0 and at forward rapidity 2.1<|η|<5.1. We compare the results based on the directed flow plane (Ψ1) at forward rapidity and the elliptic flow plane (Ψ2) at both central and forward rapidity. The CME scenario is expected to result in a larger correlation relative to Ψ1 than to Ψ2, while a flow driven background scenario would lead to a consistent result for both event planes. In 10-50\% centrality, results using three different event planes are found to be consistent within experimental uncertainties, suggesting a flow driven background scenario dominating the measurement. We obtain an upper limit on the deviation from a flow driven background scenario at the 95\% confidence level. This work opens up a possible road map towards future CME search with the high statistics data from the RHIC Beam Energy Scan Phase-II.
The longitudinal and transverse spin transfers to Λ (Λ¯¯¯¯) hyperons in polarized proton-proton collisions are expected to be sensitive to the helicity and transversity distributions, respectively, of (anti-)strange quarks in the proton, and to the corresponding polarized fragmentation functions. We report improved measurements of the longitudinal spin transfer coefficient, DLL, and the transverse spin transfer coefficient, DTT, to Λ and Λ¯¯¯¯ in polarized proton-proton collisions at s√ = 200 GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The data set includes longitudinally polarized proton-proton collisions with an integrated luminosity of 52 pb−1, and transversely polarized proton-proton collisions with a similar integrated luminosity. Both data sets have about twice the statistics of previous results and cover a kinematic range of |ηΛ(Λ¯¯¯¯)| < 1.2 and transverse momentum pT,Λ(Λ¯¯¯¯) up to 8 GeV/c. We also report the first measurements of the hyperon spin transfer coefficients DLL and DTT as a function of the fractional jet momentum z carried by the hyperon, which can provide more direct constraints on the
In relativistic heavy-ion collisions, a global spin polarization, PH, of Λ and Λ¯ hyperons along the direction of the system angular momentum was discovered and measured across a broad range of collision energies and demonstrated a trend of increasing PH with decreasing sNN−−−√. A splitting between Λ and Λ¯ polarization may be possible due to their different magnetic moments in a late-stage magnetic field sustained by the quark-gluon plasma which is formed in the collision. The results presented in this study find no significant splitting at the collision energies of sNN−−−√=19.6 and 27 GeV in the RHIC Beam Energy Scan Phase II using the STAR detector, with an upper limit of PΛ¯−PΛ<0.24% and PΛ¯−PΛ<0.35%, respectively, at a 95% confidence level. We derive an upper limit on the naïve extraction of the late-stage magnetic field of B<9.4⋅1012 T and B<1.4⋅1013 T at sNN−−−√=19.6 and 27 GeV, respectively, although more thorough derivations are needed. Differential measurements of PH were performed with respect to collision centrality, transverse momentum, and rapidity. With our current acceptance of |y|<1 and uncertainties, we observe no dependence on transverse momentum and rapidity in this analysis. These results challenge multiple existing model calculations following a variety of different assumptions which have each predicted a strong dependence on rapidity in this collision-energy range.
A decisive experimental test of the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) is considered one of the major scientific goals at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) towards understanding the nontrivial topological fluctuations of the Quantum Chromodynamics vacuum. In heavy-ion collisions, the CME is expected to result in a charge separation phenomenon across the reaction plane, whose strength could be strongly energy dependent. The previous CME searches have been focused on top RHIC energy collisions. In this Letter, we present a low energy search for the CME in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√=27 GeV. We measure elliptic flow scaled charge-dependent correlators relative to the event planes that are defined at both mid-rapidity |η|<1.0 and at forward rapidity 2.1<|η|<5.1. We compare the results based on the directed flow plane (Ψ1) at forward rapidity and the elliptic flow plane (Ψ2) at both central and forward rapidity. The CME scenario is expected to result in a larger correlation relative to Ψ1 than to Ψ2, while a flow driven background scenario would lead to a consistent result for both event planes. In 10-50\% centrality, results using three different event planes are found to be consistent within experimental uncertainties, suggesting a flow driven background scenario dominating the measurement. We obtain an upper limit on the deviation from a flow driven background scenario at the 95\% confidence level. This work opens up a possible road map towards future CME search with the high statistics data from the RHIC Beam Energy Scan Phase-II.
We report on measurements of sequential Υ suppression in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√ = 200 GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors (RAA), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to p+p collisions, for Υ(1S) and Υ(2S) are 0.40±0.03 (stat.)±0.03 (sys.)±0.09 (norm.) and 0.26±0.08 (stat.)±0.02 (sys.)±0.06 (norm.), respectively, while the upper limit of the Υ(3S) RAA is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the Υ(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the Υ(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for Υ(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited Υ states.
Jet-hadron correlations with respect to the event plane in √sNN = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions in STAR
(2024)
Angular distributions of charged particles relative to jet axes are studied in sNN−−−√ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions as a function of the jet orientation with respect to the event plane. This differential study tests the expected path-length dependence of energy loss experienced by a hard-scattered parton as it traverses the hot and dense medium formed in heavy-ion collisions. A second-order event plane is used in the analysis as an experimental estimate of the reaction plane formed by the collision impact parameter and the beam direction. Charged-particle jets with 15<pT,jet< 20 and 20<pT,jet< 40 GeV/c were reconstructed with the anti-kT algorithm with radius parameter setting of (R=0.4) in the 20-50\% centrality bin to maximize the initial-state eccentricity of the interaction region. The reaction plane fit method is implemented to remove the flow-modulated background with better precision than prior methods. Yields and widths of jet-associated charged-hadron distributions are extracted in three angular bins between the jet axis and the event plane. The event-plane (EP) dependence is further quantified by ratios of the associated yields in different EP bins. No dependence on orientation of the jet axis with respect to the event plane is seen within the uncertainties in the kinematic regime studied. This finding is consistent with a similar experimental observation by ALICE in sNN−−−√ = 2.76 TeV Pb+Pb collision data.
Jet-hadron correlations with respect to the event plane in √sNN = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions in STAR
(2024)
Angular distributions of charged particles relative to jet axes are studied in sNN−−−√ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions as a function of the jet orientation with respect to the event plane. This differential study tests the expected path-length dependence of energy loss experienced by a hard-scattered parton as it traverses the hot and dense medium formed in heavy-ion collisions. A second-order event plane is used in the analysis as an experimental estimate of the reaction plane formed by the collision impact parameter and the beam direction. Charged-particle jets with 15<pT,jet< 20 and 20<pT,jet< 40 GeV/c were reconstructed with the anti-kT algorithm with radius parameter setting of (R=0.4) in the 20-50\% centrality bin to maximize the initial-state eccentricity of the interaction region. The reaction plane fit method is implemented to remove the flow-modulated background with better precision than prior methods. Yields and widths of jet-associated charged-hadron distributions are extracted in three angular bins between the jet axis and the event plane. The event-plane (EP) dependence is further quantified by ratios of the associated yields in different EP bins. No dependence on orientation of the jet axis with respect to the event plane is seen within the uncertainties in the kinematic regime studied. This finding is consistent with a similar experimental observation by ALICE in sNN−−−√ = 2.76 TeV Pb+Pb collision data.
We report the first measurements of cumulants, up to 4𝑡ℎ order, of deuteron number distributions and protondeuteron correlations in Au+Au collisions recorded by the STAR experiment in phase-I of Beam Energy Scan (BES) program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Deuteron cumulants, their ratios, and proton-deuteron mixed cumulants are presented for different collision centralities covering a range of center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair √𝑠NN = 7.7 to 200 GeV. It is found that the cumulant ratios at lower collision energies favor a canonical ensemble over a grand canonical ensemble in thermal models. An anti-correlation between proton and deuteron multiplicity is observed across all collision energies and centralities, consistent with the expectation from global baryon number conservation. The UrQMD model coupled with a phase-space coalescence mechanism qualitatively reproduces the collision-energy dependence of cumulant ratios and proton-deuteron correlations.
We report the first measurements of cumulants, up to 4th order, of deuteron number distributions and proton-deuteron correlations in Au+Au collisions recorded by the STAR experiment in phase-I of Beam Energy Scan (BES) program at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Deuteron cumulants, their ratios, and proton-deuteron mixed cumulants are presented for different collision centralities covering a range of center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sNN−−−−√~=~7.7 to 200~GeV. It is found that the cumulant ratios at lower collision energies favor a canonical ensemble over a grand canonical ensemble in thermal models. An anti-correlation between proton and deuteron multiplicity is observed across all collision energies and centralities, consistent with the expectation from global baryon number conservation. The UrQMD model coupled with a phase-space coalescence mechanism qualitatively reproduces the collision-energy dependence of cumulant ratios and proton-deuteron correlations.
Using a sample of (10.09 ± 0.04) × 109 J/ψ decays collected with the BESIII detector, partial wave analyses of the decay J/ψ → γK0SK0Sπ0 are performed within the K0SK0Sπ0 invariant mass region below 1.6 GeV/c2. The covariant tensor amplitude method is used in both mass independent and mass dependent approaches. Both analysis approaches exhibit dominant pseudoscalar and axial vector components, and show good consistency for the other individual components. Furthermore, the mass dependent analysis reveals that the K0SK0 Sπ0 invariant mass spectrum for the pseudoscalar component can be well described with two isoscalar resonant states using relativistic Breit-Wigner model, i.e., the η(1405) with a mass of 1391.7±0.7+11.3 −0.3 MeV/c 2 and a width of 60.8±1.2+5.5 −12.0 MeV, and the η(1475) with a mass of 1507.6±1.6+15.5−32.2 MeV/c2 and a width of 115.8±2.4 +14.8 −10.9 MeV. The first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Alternate models for the pseudoscalar component are also tested, but the description of the K0SK0Sπ0invariant mass spectrum deteriorates significantly.
We report results on an elastic cross section measurement in proton–proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy √𝑠 = 510 GeV, obtained with the Roman Pot setup of the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The elastic differential cross section is measured in the four-momentum transfer squared range 0.23 ≤ −𝑡 ≤ 0.67 GeV2. This is the only measurement of the proton-proton elastic cross section in this 𝑡 range for collision energies above the Intersecting Storage Rings (ISR) and below the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) colliders. We find that a constant slope 𝐵 does not fit the data in the aforementioned 𝑡 range, and we obtain a much better fit using a second-order polynomial for 𝐵(𝑡). This is the first measurement below the LHC energies for which the non-constant behavior 𝐵(𝑡) is observed. The 𝑡 dependence of 𝐵 is also determined using six subintervals of 𝑡 in the STAR measured 𝑡 range, and is in good agreement with the phenomenological models. The measured elastic differential cross section d𝜎∕dt agrees well with the results obtained at √𝑠 = 540 GeV for proton–antiproton collisions by the UA4 experiment. We also determine that the integrated elastic cross section within the STAR 𝑡-range is 𝜎f id el = 462.1 ± 0.9(stat.) ± 1.1(syst.) ± 11.6(scale) 𝜇b.
We report a new measurement of the production of electrons from open heavy-flavor hadron decays (HFEs) at mid-rapidity (|y|< 0.7) in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√=200 GeV. Invariant yields of HFEs are measured for the transverse momentum range of 3.5<pT<9 GeV/c in various configurations of the collision geometry. The HFE yields in head-on Au+Au collisions are suppressed by approximately a factor of 2 compared to that in p+p collisions scaled by the average number of binary collisions, indicating strong interactions between heavy quarks and the hot and dense medium created in heavy-ion collisions. Comparison of these results with models provides additional tests of theoretical calculations of heavy quark energy loss in the quark-gluon plasma.
Using 7.33 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226~GeV, we observe for the first time the decay D±s→ωπ±η with a statistical significance of 7.6σ. The measured branching fraction of this decay is (0.54±0.12±0.04)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic.
Using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.3 fb−1 collected at center-of-mass energies from 4.23 to 4.70 GeV with the BESIII detector, we observe the process e+e− → π0π0ψ2(3823) for the first time with a statistical significance of 6.0 standard deviations. The ratio of average cross sections for e+e− → π0π0ψ2(3823) and π+π−ψ2(3823) is determined to be R = σ[e+e− → π0π0ψ2(3823)] σ[e+e−→π+π−ψ2(3823)] = 0.57 ± 0.14 ± 0.05, which is consistent with expectations from isospin symmetry. Here and below, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The mass of the ψ2(3823) is measured to be M[ψ2(3823)] = 3824.5±2.4±1.0 MeV/c2. Due to the limited data sample, an upper limit of 18.8 MeV at 90% confidence level is set on the intrinsic width of ψ2(3823).
Using 15.6 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at twenty-four center-of-mass energies from 4.0 to 4.6 GeV with the BESIII detector, the helicity amplitudes of the process e+e−→π+π−ω are analyzed for the first time. Born cross section measurements of two-body intermediate resonance states with statistical significance greater than 5σ are presented, such as f0(500), f0(980), f2(1270), f0(1370), b1(1235)±, and ρ(1450)±. In addition, evidence of a resonance state in e+e−→π+π−ω production is found. The mass of this state obtained by line shape fitting is about 4.2 GeV/c2, which is consistent with the production of ψ(4160) or Y(4220).
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.
We report a search for a heavier partner of the recently observed Zcs(3985)− state, denoted as Z′−cs, in the process e+e−→K+D∗−sD∗0+c.c., based on e+e− collision data collected at the center-of-mass energies of s√=4.661, 4.682 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector. The Z′−cs is of interest as it is expected to be a candidate for a hidden-charm and open-strange tetraquark. A partial-reconstruction technique is used to isolate K+ recoil-mass spectra, which are probed for a potential contribution from Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.). We find an excess of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.) candidates with a significance of 2.1σ, after considering systematic uncertainties, at a mass of (4123.5±0.7stat.±4.7syst.) MeV/c2. As the data set is limited in size, the upper limits are evaluated at the 90\% confidence level on the product of the Born cross sections (σBorn) and the branching fraction (B) of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0, under different assumptions of the Z′−cs mass from 4.120 to 4.140 MeV and of the width from 10 to 50 MeV at the three center-of-mass energies. The upper limits of σBorn⋅B are found to be at the level of O(1) pb at each energy. Larger data samples are needed to confirm the Z′−cs state and clarify its nature in the coming years.
We report the measurement of K∗0 meson at midrapidity (|y|< 1.0) in Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√~=~7.7, 11.5, 14.5, 19.6, 27 and 39 GeV collected by the STAR experiment during the RHIC beam energy scan (BES) program. The transverse momentum spectra, yield, and average transverse momentum of K∗0 are presented as functions of collision centrality and beam energy. The K∗0/K yield ratios are presented for different collision centrality intervals and beam energies. The K∗0/K ratio in heavy-ion collisions are observed to be smaller than that in small system collisions (e+e and p+p). The K∗0/K ratio follows a similar centrality dependence to that observed in previous RHIC and LHC measurements. The data favor the scenario of the dominance of hadronic re-scattering over regeneration for K∗0 production in the hadronic phase of the medium.
Using e+e− annihilation data sets collected with the BESIII detector, we measure the cross sections of the processes e+e−→e+e− and e+e−→μ+μ− at fifteen center-of-mass energy points in the vicinity of the J/ψ resonance. By a simultaneous fit to the measured, center-of-mass energy dependent cross sections of the two processes, the combined quantities ΓeeΓee/Γtot and ΓeeΓμμ/Γtot are determined to be (0.346±0.009) and (0.335±0.006) keV, respectively, where Γee, Γμμ, and Γtot are the electronic, muonic, and total decay widths of the J/ψ resonance, respectively. Using the resultant ΓeeΓμμ/Γtot and ΓeeΓee/Γtot, the ratio Γee/Γμμ is calculated to be 1.031±0.015, which is consistent with the expectation of lepton universality within about two standard deviations. Assuming lepton universality and using the branching fraction of the J/ψ leptonic decay measured by BESIII in 2013, Γtot and Γll are determined to be (93.0±2.1) and (5.56±0.11) keV, respectively, where Γll is the average leptonic decay width of the J/ψ resonance.
We report a search for a heavier partner of the recently observed Zcs(3985)− state, denoted as Z′−cs, in the process e+e−→K+D∗−sD∗0+c.c., based on e+e− collision data collected at the center-of-mass energies of s√=4.661, 4.682 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector. The Z′−cs is of interest as it is expected to be a candidate for a hidden-charm and open-strange tetraquark. A partial-reconstruction technique is used to isolate K+ recoil-mass spectra, which are probed for a potential contribution from Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.). We find an excess of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.) candidates with a significance of 2.9σ, after considering systematic uncertainties, at a mass of (4123.5±0.7stat.±1.1syst.)MeV/c2. As the data set is limited in size, the upper limits are evaluated at the 90% confidence level on the product of the Born cross section and the branching fraction of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0, σBorn⋅B at the three energy points, under different assumptions of the Z′−cs mass from 4.120 to 4.140 MeV and of the width from 10 to 50 MeV. Under various mass and width assumptions, the upper limits of σBorn⋅B are found to lie in the range of 2∼6, 3∼7 and 3∼6 pb at s√=4.661, 4.682 and 4.699 GeV, respectively. The larger data samples that will be collected in the coming years will allow a clearer picture to emerge concerning the existence and nature of the Z′−cs state.
Observation of ηc(2S) → 3(π⁺π⁻) and measurements of χcJ → 3(π⁺π⁻) in ψ(3686) radiative transitions
(2022)
The hadronic decay ηc(2S)→3(π+π−) is observed with a statistical significance of 9.3 standard deviations using (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The measured mass and width of ηc(2S) are (3643.4±2.3(stat.)±4.4(syst.)) MeV/c2 and (19.8±3.9(stat.)±3.1(syst.)) MeV, respectively, which are consistent with the world average values within two standard deviations. The product branching fraction B[ψ(3686)→γηc(2S)]×B[ηc(2S)→3(π+π−)] is measured to be (9.2±1.0(stat.)±0.9(syst.))×10−6. Using B[ψ(3686)→γηc(2S)]=(7.0+3.4−2.5)×10−4, we obtain B[ηc(2S)→3(π+π−)]=(1.31±0.15(stat.)±0.13(syst.)(+0.64−0.47)(extr))×10−2, where the third uncertainty is from B[ψ(3686)→γηc(2S)]. We also measure the χcJ→3(π+π−) (J=0,1,2) decays via ψ(3686)→γχcJ transitions. The branching fractions are B[χc0→3(π+π−)]=(2.080±0.006(stat.)±0.068(syst.))×10−2, B[χc1→3(π+π−)]=(1.092±0.004(stat.)±0.035(syst.))×10−2, and B[χc2→3(π+π−)]=(1.565±0.005(stat.)±0.048(syst.))×10−2.
Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 19 fb−1 at twenty-eight center-of-mass energies from 3.872 GeV to 4.700 GeV collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron-positron collider, the process e+e− → ηπ+π− and the intermediate process e+e− → ηρ0 are studied for the first time. The Born cross sections are measured. No significant resonance structure is observed in the cross section lineshape.
Measurement of the absolute branching fraction of the singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λc⁺ → pη′
(2022)
The singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λ+𝑐→𝑝𝜂′ is measured using 4.5 fb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. Evidence for Λ+𝑐→𝑝𝜂′ with a statistical significance of 3.6𝜎 is reported with a double-tag approach. The Λ+𝑐→𝑝𝜂′ absolute branching fraction is determined to be (5.62+2.46−2.04±0.26)×10−4, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Our result is consistent with the branching fraction obtained by the Belle collaboration within the uncertainty of 1𝜎.
Measurement of the absolute branching fraction of the singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λc⁺ → pη′
(2022)
The singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λ+c→pη′ is measured using 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. Evidence for Λ+c→pη′ with a statistical significance of 3.6σ is reported with a double-tag approach. The Λ+c→pη′ absolute branching fraction is determined to be (5.62+2.46−2.04±0.26)×10−4, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Our result is consistent with the branching fraction obtained by the Belle collaboration within the uncertainty of 1σ.
Measurement of the absolute branching fraction of the singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λc⁺ → pη′
(2022)
The singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Λ+c→pη′ is measured using 4.5 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected at center-of-mass energies between 4.600 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector at BEPCII. Evidence for Λ+c→pη′ with a statistical significance of 3.6σ is reported with a double-tag approach. The Λ+c→pη′ absolute branching fraction is determined to be (5.62+2.46−2.04±0.26)×10−4, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Our result is consistent with the branching fraction obtained by the Belle collaboration within the uncertainty of 1σ.
By analyzing (27.12±0.14)×108 ψ(3686) events accumulated with the BESIII detector, the decay ηc(2S)→K+K−η is observed for the first time with a significance of 6.2σ after considering systematic uncertainties. The product of the branching fractions of ψ(3686)→γηc(2S) and ηc(2S)→K+K−η is measured to be B(ψ(3686)→γηc(2S))×B(ηc(2S)→K+K−η)=(2.39±0.32±0.34)×10−6, where the first uncertainty is statistical, and the second one is systematic. The branching fraction of ηc(2S)→K+K−η is determined to be B(ηc(2S)→K+K−η)=(3.42±0.46±0.48±2.44)×10−3, where the third uncertainty is due to the branching fraction of ψ(3686)→γηc(2S). Using a recent BESIII measurement of B(ηc(2S)→K+K−π0), we also determine the ratio between the branching fractions of ηc(2S)→K+K−η and ηc(2S)→K+K−π0 to be 1.49±0.22±0.25, which is consistent with the previous result of BaBar at a comparable precision level.
Observation of ηc(2S) → 3(π⁺π⁻) and measurements of χcJ → 3(π⁺π⁻) in ψ(3686) radiative transitions
(2022)
The hadronic decay ηc(2S)→3(π+π−) is observed with a statistical significance of 9.3 standard deviations using (448.1±2.9)×106 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The measured mass and width of ηc(2S) are (3643.4±2.3(stat.)±4.4(syst.)) MeV/c2 and (19.8±3.9(stat.)±3.1(syst.)) MeV, respectively, which are consistent with the world average values within two standard deviations. The product branching fraction B[ψ(3686) → γηc(2S)]×B[ηc(2S)→3(π+π−)] is measured to be (9.2±1.0(stat.)±0.9(syst.))×10−6. Using B[ψ(3686)→γηc(2S)]=(7.0+3.4−2.5)×10−4, we obtain B[ηc(2S)→3(π+π−)]=(1.31±0.15(stat.)±0.13(syst.)(+0.64−0.47)(extr))×10−2, where the third uncertainty is from B[ψ(3686)→γηc(2S)]. We also measure the χcJ→3(π+π−) (J=0,1,2) decays via ψ(3686)→γχcJ transitions. The branching fractions are B[χc0→3(π+π−)]=(2.080±0.006(stat.)±0.068(syst.))×10−2, B[χc1→3(π+π−)]=(1.092±0.004(stat.)±0.035(syst.))×10−2, and B[χc2→3(π+π−)]=(1.565±0.005(stat.)±0.048(syst.))×10−2.
Using a low background data sample of 9.7×105 𝐽/𝜓→𝛾𝜂′, 𝜂′→𝛾𝜋+𝜋− events, which are 2 orders of magnitude larger than those from the previous experiments, recorded with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the decay dynamics of 𝜂′→𝛾𝜋+𝜋− are studied with both model-dependent and model-independent approaches. The contributions of 𝜔 and the 𝜌(770)−𝜔 interference are observed for the first time in the decays 𝜂′→𝛾𝜋+𝜋− in both approaches. Additionally, a contribution from the box anomaly or the 𝜌(1450) resonance is required in the model-dependent approach, while the process specific part of the decay amplitude is determined in the model-independent approach.
We report a search for a heavier partner of the recently observed Zcs(3985)− state, denoted as Z′−cs, in the process e+e−→K+D∗−sD∗0+c.c., based on e+e− collision data collected at the center-of-mass energies of s√=4.661, 4.682 and 4.699 GeV with the BESIII detector. The Z′−cs is of interest as it is expected to be a candidate for a hidden-charm and open-strange tetraquark. A partial-reconstruction technique is used to isolate K+ recoil-mass spectra, which are probed for a potential contribution from Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.). We find an excess of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0 (c.c.) candidates with a significance of 2.1σ, after considering systematic uncertainties, at a mass of (4123.5±0.7stat.±4.7syst.) MeV/c2. As the data set is limited in size, the upper limits are evaluated at the 90\% confidence level on the product of the Born cross sections (σBorn) and the branching fraction (B) of Z′−cs→D∗−sD∗0, under different assumptions of the Z′−cs mass from 4.120 to 4.140 MeV and of the width from 10 to 50 MeV at the three center-of-mass energies. The upper limits of σBorn⋅B are found to be at the level of O(1) pb at each energy. Larger data samples are needed to confirm the Z′−cs state and clarify its nature in the coming years.
Improved measurement of the branching fractions of the inclusive decays D⁺ → Kₛ⁰X and D⁰ → Kₛ⁰X
(2023)
By analyzing 2.93 fb−1 of 𝑒+𝑒− collision data taken at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, the branching fractions of the inclusive decays 𝐷+→𝐾0 𝑆𝑋 and 𝐷0→𝐾0 𝑆𝑋 are measured to be (33.11±0.13±0.36)% and (20.75±0.12±0.20)%, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. These results are consistent with the world averages of previous measurements, but with much improved precision.
Based on (10087±44)×106 𝐽/𝜓 events collected with the BESIII detector at BEPCII, the double Dalitz decay 𝜂′→𝑒+𝑒−𝑒+𝑒− is observed for the first time via the 𝐽/𝜓→𝛾𝜂′ decay process. The significance is found to be 5.7𝜎 with systematic uncertainties taken into consideration. Its branching fraction is determined to be ℬ(𝜂′→𝑒+𝑒−𝑒+𝑒−)=(4.5±1.0(stat)±0.5(sys))×10−6.
We report a measurement of cumulants and correlation functions of event-by-event proton multiplicity distributions from fixed-target Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√ = 3 GeV measured by the STAR experiment. Protons are identified within the rapidity (y) and transverse momentum (pT) region −0.9<y<0 and 0.4<pT<2.0 GeV/c in the center-of-mass frame. A systematic analysis of the proton cumulants and correlation functions up to sixth-order as well as the corresponding ratios as a function of the collision centrality, pT, and y are presented. The effect of pileup and initial volume fluctuations on these observables and the respective corrections are discussed in detail. The results are compared to calculations from the hadronic transport UrQMD model as well as a hydrodynamic model. In the most central 5\% collisions, the value of proton cumulant ratio C4/C2 is negative, drastically different from the values observed in Au+Au collisions at higher energies. Compared to model calculations including Lattice QCD, a hadronic transport model, and a hydrodynamic model, the strong suppression in the ratio of C4/C2 at 3 GeV Au+Au collisions indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions.
Partons traversing the strongly interacting medium produced in heavy-ion collisions are expected to lose energy depending on their color charge and mass. We measure the nuclear modification factors for charm- and bottom-decay electrons, defined as the ratio of yields, scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, in sNN−−−√ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions to p+p collisions (RAA), or in central to peripheral Au+Au collisions (RCP). We find the bottom-decay electron RAA and RCP to be significantly higher than that of charm-decay electrons. Model calculations including mass-dependent parton energy loss in a strongly coupled medium are consistent with the measured data. These observations provide clear evidence of mass ordering of charm and bottom quark energy loss when traversing through the strongly coupled medium created in heavy-ion collisions.
Partons traversing the strongly interacting medium produced in heavy-ion collisions are expected to lose energy depending on their color charge and mass. We measure the nuclear modification factors for charm- and bottom-decay electrons, defined as the ratio of yields, scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, in sNN−−−√ = 200 GeV Au+Au collisions to p+p collisions (RAA), or in central to peripheral Au+Au collisions (RCP). We find the bottom-decay electron RAA and RCP to be significantly higher than that of charm-decay electrons. Model calculations including mass-dependent parton energy loss in a strongly coupled medium are consistent with the measured data. These observations provide clear evidence of mass ordering of charm and bottom quark energy loss when traversing through the strongly coupled medium created in heavy-ion collisions.
Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 6.4~fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, the process of e+e−→γϕJ/ψ is studied. The processes of e+e−→ϕχc1,c2, χc1,c2→γJ/ψ are observed with a significance of more than 10σ. The s√-dependent cross section of e+e−→ϕχc1,c2 is measured between 4.600 and 4.951~GeV, and evidence of a resonance structure is found for the first time in the ϕχc2 process. We also search for the processes of e+e−→γX(4140), γX(4274) and γX(4500) via the γϕJ/ψ final state, but no obvious structures are found. The upper limits on the production cross section times the branching fraction for these processes at the 90% confidence level are reported.
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.
Improved measurement of the branching fractions of the inclusive decays D⁺ → Kₛ⁰X and D⁰ → Kₛ⁰X
(2023)
By analyzing 2.93 fb−1 of e+e− collision data taken at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector, the branching fractions of the inclusive decays D+→K0SX and D0→K0SX are measured to be (32.78±0.13±0.27)% and (20.54±0.12±0.18)%, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. These results are consistent with the world averages of previous measurements, but with improved precision.
The singly Cabibbo-suppressed decay D+s → K+π+π−π0 is observed by using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.32 fb−1 recorded by the BESIII detector at the centre-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.226 GeV. The first amplitude analysis of D+s → K+π+π−π0 reveals the sub-structures in this decay and determines the fractions and relative phases of different intermediate processes. The dominant intermediate process is D+s → K∗0ρ+, with a fit fraction of (40.5 ± 2.8stat. ± 1.5syst.)%. With the detection efficiency based on our amplitude analysis, the absolute branching fraction forD+s → K+π+π−π0 is measured to be (9.75 ± 0.54stat. ± 0.17syst.) × 10−3.
Using a data sample of (448.1±2.9)×106 𝜓(3686) decays collected at an 𝑒+𝑒− center-of-mass energy of 3.686 GeV by the BESIII detector at Beijing Electron Positron Collider II, we report an observation of the hindered electromagnetic Dalitz decay 𝜓(3686)→𝑒+𝑒−𝜂𝑐 with a significance of 7.9𝜎. The branching fraction is determined to be ℬ(𝜓(3686)→𝑒+𝑒−𝜂𝑐)=(3.77±0.40stat±0.18syst)×10−5, agreeing well with the prediction of the vector meson dominance model. This is the first measurement of the electromagnetic Dalitz transition between the 𝜓(3686) and the 𝜂𝑐, which provides new insight into the electromagnetic properties of this decay, and offers new opportunities to measure the absolute branching fractions of 𝜂𝑐 decays.
A measurement of the CP-even fraction of the decay D0→π+π−π+π− is performed with a quantum-correlated ψ(3770)→DD¯ data sample collected by the BESIII experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb−1. Using a combination of CP eigenstates, D→π+π−π0 and D→K0S,Lπ+π− as tagging modes, the CP-even fraction is measured to be F4π+=0.735±0.015±0.005, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. This is the most precise determination of this quantity to date. It provides valuable model-independent input for the measurement of the CKM angle γ with B±→DK± decays, and for time-dependent studies of CP violation and mixing in the D0-D¯0 system.
Using (448.1 ± 2.9) × 106 ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the decay ψ(3686) → Σ⁻Σ‾⁺ is observed for the first time with a branching fraction of (2.82 ± 0.04stat. ± 0.08syst.) × 10−4, and the angular parameter αΣ− is measured to be 0.96 ± 0.09stat. ± 0.03syst..
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%.