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The Born cross sections of the e+e− → D*+D*− and e+e− → D*+D− processes are measured using e+e− collision data collected with the BESIII experiment at center-of-mass energies from 4.085 to 4.600 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 15.7 fb−1. The results are consistent with and more precise than the previous measurements by the Belle, Babar and CLEO collaborations. The measurements are essential for understanding the nature of vector charmonium and charmonium-like states.
Using about 23 fb−1 of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, a precise measurement of the e+e−→π+π−J/ψ Born cross section is performed at center-of-mass energies from 3.7730 to 4.7008 GeV. Two structures, identified as the Y(4220) and the Y(4320) states, are observed in the energy-dependent cross section with a significance larger than 10σ. The masses and widths of the two structures are determined to be (M,Γ) = (4221.4±1.5±2.0 MeV/c2, 41.8±2.9±2.7 MeV) and (M,Γ) = (4298±12±26 MeV/c2, 127±17±10 MeV), respectively. A small enhancement around 4.5 GeV with a significance about 3σ, compatible with the ψ(4415), might also indicate the presence of an additional resonance in the spectrum. The inclusion of this additional contribution in the fit to the cross section affects the resonance parameters of the Y(4320) state.
Using about 23 fb−1 of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring, a precise measurement of the e+e−→π+π−J/ψ Born cross section is performed at center-of-mass energies from 3.7730 to 4.7008 GeV. Two structures, identified as the Y(4220) and the Y(4320) states, are observed in the energy-dependent cross section with a significance larger than 10σ. The masses and widths of the two structures are determined to be (M,Γ) = (4221.4±1.5±2.0 MeV/c2, 41.8±2.9±2.7 MeV) and (M,Γ) = (4298±12±26 MeV/c2, 127±17±10 MeV), respectively. A small enhancement around 4.5 GeV with a significance about 3σ, compatible with the ψ(4415), might also indicate the presence of an additional resonance in the spectrum. The inclusion of this additional contribution in the fit to the cross section affects the resonance parameters of the Y(4320) state.
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.).
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 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 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.
Observation of resonance structures in e⁺e⁻ → π⁺π⁻ψ₂(3823) and mass measurement of ψ₂(3823)
(2022)
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 measure the product of the 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜋+𝜋−𝜓2(3823) cross section and the branching fraction ℬ[𝜓2(3823)→𝛾𝜒𝑐1]. For the first time, resonance structure is observed in the cross section line shape of 𝑒+𝑒−→𝜋+𝜋−𝜓2(3823) with significances exceeding 5𝜎. A fit to data with two coherent Breit-Wigner resonances modeling the √𝑠-dependent cross section yields 𝑀(𝑅1)=4406.9±17.2±4.5 MeV/𝑐2, Γ(𝑅1)=128.1±37.2±2.3 MeV, and 𝑀(𝑅2)=4647.9±8.6±0.8 MeV/𝑐2, Γ(𝑅2)=33.1±18.6±4.1 MeV. Though weakly disfavored by the data, a single resonance with 𝑀(𝑅)=4417.5±26.2±3.5 MeV/𝑐2, Γ(𝑅)=245±48±13 MeV is also possible to interpret data. This observation deepens our understanding of the nature of the vector charmoniumlike states. The mass of the 𝜓2(3823) state is measured as (3823.12±0.43±0.13) MeV/𝑐2, which is the most precise measurement to date.
Observation of 𝜒𝑐𝐽→Λ¯Λ𝜂
(2022)
By analyzing (448.1±2.9)×106 𝜓(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, the decays of 𝜒𝑐𝐽→Λ
¯Λ𝜂 (𝐽=0, 1, and 2) are observed for the first time with statistical significances of 13.9𝜎, 6.7𝜎, and 8.2𝜎, respectively. The product branching fractions of 𝜓(3686)→𝛾𝜒𝑐𝐽 and 𝜒𝑐𝐽→Λ¯Λ𝜂 are measured. Dividing by the world averages of the branching fractions of 𝜓(3686)→𝛾𝜒𝑐𝐽, the branching fractions of 𝜒𝑐𝐽→Λ¯Λ𝜂 decays are determined to be (2.31±0.30±0.21)×10−4, (5.86±1.38±0.68)×10−5, and (1.05±0.21±0.15)×10−4 for 𝐽=0, 1 and 2, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic.
We report the first measurements of the absolute branching fractions of D0 → K0 Lϕ, D0 → K0Lη, D0 → K0Lω, and D0 → K0Lη0, by analyzing 2.93 fb−1 of eþe− collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector. Taking the world averages of the branching fractions of D0 → K0Sϕ, D0 → K0Sη, D0 → K0Sω, and D0 → K0Sη0, the K0S − K0L asymmetries RðD0; XÞ in these decay modes are obtained. The CP asymmetries in these decays are also determined. No significant CP violation is observed
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.
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 possible minimum around sNN−−−√ = 27 GeV. The physics implications on the QCD phase structure are discussed.
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 linear and mode-coupled contributions to higher-order anisotropic flow are presented for Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√ = 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 initial-state 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 ηs(T,μB).
Observation of directed flow of hypernuclei Λ³H and Λ⁴H in √sNN = 3 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC
(2023)
We report here the first observation of directed flow (v1) of the hypernuclei 3ΛH and 4ΛH in mid-central Au+Au collisions at sNN−−−√ = 3 GeV at RHIC. These data are taken as part of the beam energy scan program carried out by the STAR experiment. From 165 × 106 events in 5%-40% centrality, about 8400 3ΛH and 5200 4ΛH candidates are reconstructed through two- and three-body decay channels. We observe that these hypernuclei exhibit significant directed flow. Comparing to that of light nuclei, it is found that the midrapidity v1 slopes of 3ΛH and 4ΛH follow baryon number scaling, implying that the coalescence is the dominant mechanism for these hypernuclei production in such collisions.
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.
We measure triangular flow relative to the reaction plane at 3 GeV center-of-mass energy in Au+Au collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. A significant v3 signal for protons is observed, which increases for higher rapidity, higher transverse momentum, and more peripheral collisions. The triangular flow is essentially rapidity-odd with a slope at mid-rapidity, dv3/dy|(y=0), opposite in sign compared to the slope for directed flow. No significant v3 signal is observed for charged pions and kaons. Comparisons with models suggest that a mean field potential is required to describe these results, and that the triangular shape of the participant nucleons is the result of stopping and nuclear geometry.
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
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 polarized fragmentation functions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Based on (2.712±0.014)×109 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII collaboration, evidence of the hadronic decay hc→K0SK+π−+c.c. is found with a significance of 4.3σ in the ψ(3686)→π0hc process. The branching fraction of hc→K0SK+π−+c.c. is measured to be (7.3±0.8±1.8)×10−4, where the first and second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Combining with the exclusive decay width of ηc→KK¯π, our result indicates inconsistencies with both pQCD and NRQCD predictions.
The process e+e−→pp¯π0 is studied at 20 center-of-mass energies ranging from 2.1000 to 3.0800 GeV using 636.8 pb−1 of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider. The Born cross sections for e+e−→pp¯π0 are measured with high precision. Since the lowest center-of-mass energy, 2.1000 GeV, is less than 90 MeV above the pp¯π0 energy threshold, we can probe the threshold behavior for this reaction. However, no anomalous threshold enhancement is found in the cross sections for e+e−→pp¯π0.
Improved measurement of the branching fraction of h_(c) → γη^(′)/η and search for h_(c) → γπ⁰
(2024)
The processes hc→γP(P=η′, η, π0)) are studied with a sample of (27.12±0.14)×108 ψ(3686) events collected by the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. The branching fractions of hc→γη′ and hc→γη are measured to be (1.40±0.11±0.04±0.10)×10−3 and (3.77±0.55±0.13±0.26)×10−4, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical, the second systematic, and the third from the branching fraction of ψ(3686)→π0hc. The ratio Rhc=B(hc→γη)B(hc→γη′) is calculated to be (27.0±4.4±1.0)%. The measurements are consistent with the previous results with improved precision by a factor of 2. The results are valuable for gaining a deeper understanding of η−η′ mixing, and its manifestation within quantum chromodynamics. No significant signal is found for the decay hc→γπ0, and an upper limit is placed on its branching fraction of B(hc→γπ0)<5.0×10−5, at the 90\% confidence level.
Based on (2712.4±14.3)×106 ψ(3686) events, we investigate four hadronic decay modes of the P-wave charmonium spin-singlet state hc(1P1)→h+h−π0/η (h=π or K) via the process ψ(3686)→π0hc at BESIII. The hc→π+π−π0 decay is observed with a significance of 9.6σ after taking into account systematic uncertainties. Evidences for hc→K+K−π0 and hc→K+K−η are found with significances of 3.5σ and 3.3σ, respectively, after considering the systematic uncertainties. The branching fractions of these decays are measured to be B(hc→π+π−π0)=(1.36±0.16±0.14)×10−3, B(hc→K+K−π0)=(3.26±0.84±0.36)×10−4, and B(hc→K+K−η)=(3.13±1.08±0.38)×10−4, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. No significant signal of hc→π+π−η is found, and the upper limit of its decay branching fraction is determined to be B(hc→π+π−η)<4.0×10−4 at 90% confidence level.
We report the first amplitude analysis of the decays D0→π+π−η and D+→π+π0η using a data sample taken with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.9 fb−1. The contribution from the process D0(+)→a0(980)+π−(0) is significantly larger than the D0(+)→a0(980)−(0)π+ contribution. The ratios B(D0→a0(980)+π−)/B(D0→a0(980)−π+) and B(D+→a0(980)+π0)/B(D+→a0(980)0π+) are measured to be 7.5+2.5−0.8stat.±1.7syst. and 2.6±0.6stat.±0.3syst., respectively. The measured D0 ratio disagrees with the theoretical predictions by orders of magnitudes, thus implying a substantial contribution from final-state interactions.
Using data samples with an integrated luminosity of 4.67 fb−1 collected by the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII collider, we search for the process e+e−→η′ψ(2S) at center-of-mass energies from 4.66 to 4.95 GeV. No significant signal is observed, and upper limits for the Born cross sections σB(e+e−→η′ψ(2S)) at the 90\% confidence level are determined.
Observation of η_(c)(1S, 2S) and χ_(cJ) decays to 2(π⁺π^(−))η via ψ(3686) radiative transitions
(2024)
Based on 2.7×109 ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector, the radiative decay ψ(3686)→γ2(π+π−)η is investigated to measure properties of S- and P-wave charmonium states. The branching fraction of the decay ηc(1S)→2(π+π−)η, which is found to have a strong dependence on the interference pattern between ηc(1S) and non-ηc(1S) processes, is measured in both destructive and constructive interference scenarios for the first time. The mass and width of the ηc(1S) are measured to be M=(2984.14±0.13±0.38) MeV/c2 and Γ=(28.82±0.11±0.82) MeV, respectively. Clear signals for the decays of the χcJ(J=0,1,2) and the ηc(2S) to 2(π+π−)η are also observed for the first time, and the corresponding branching fractions are measured. The ratio of the branching fractions between the ηc(2S) and ηc(1S) decays is significantly lower than the theoretical prediction, which might suggest different dynamics in their decays.
Using 2.93 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, we investigate the semileptonic decays D+→π+π−ℓ+νℓ (ℓ=e and μ). The D+→f0(500)μ+νμ decay is observed for the first time. By analyzing simultaneously the differential decay rates of D+→f0(500)μ+νμ and D+→f0(500)e+νe in different ℓ+νℓ four-momentum transfer intervals, the product of the relevant hadronic form factor ff0+(0) and the magnitude of the c→d Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |Vcd| is determined to be ff0+(0)|Vcd|=0.0787±0.0060stat±0.0033syst for the first time. With the input of |Vcd| from the global fit in the standard model, we determine ff0+(0)=0.350±0.027stat±0.015syst. The absolute branching fractions of D+→f0(500)(π+π−)μ+νμ and D+→ρ0(π+π−)μ+νμ are determined as (0.72±0.13stat±0.10syst)×10−3 and (1.64±0.13stat±0.11syst)×10−3. Combining these results with those of previous BESIII measurements on their semielectronic counterparts from the same data sample, we test lepton flavor universality by measuring the branching fraction ratios BD+→ρ0μ+νμ/BD+→ρ0e+νe=0.88±0.10 and BD+→f0(500)μ+νμ/BD+→f0(500)e+νe = 1.14±0.28, which are compatible with the standard model expectation.
Using 2.93 fb−1 of e+e− collision data collected with the BESIII detector at the center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV, we investigate the semileptonic decays D+→π+π−ℓ+νℓ (ℓ=e and μ). The D+→f0(500)μ+νμ decay is observed for the first time. By analyzing simultaneously the differential decay rates of D+→f0(500)μ+νμ and D+→f0(500)e+νe in different ℓ+νℓ four-momentum transfer intervals, the product of the relevant hadronic form factor ff0+(0) and the magnitude of the c→d Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |Vcd| is determined to be ff0+(0)|Vcd|=0.0787±0.0060stat±0.0033syst for the first time. With the input of |Vcd| from the global fit in the standard model, we determine ff0+(0)=0.350±0.027stat±0.015syst. The absolute branching fractions of D+→f0(500)(π+π−)μ+νμ and D+→ρ0(π+π−)μ+νμ are determined as (0.72±0.13stat±0.10syst)×10−3 and (1.64±0.13stat±0.11syst)×10−3. Combining these results with those of previous BESIII measurements on their semielectronic counterparts from the same data sample, we test lepton flavor universality by measuring the branching fraction ratios BD+→ρ0μ+νμ/BD+→ρ0e+νe = 0.88±0.10 and BD+→f0(500)μ+νμ/BD+→f0(500)e+νe = 1.14±0.28, which are compatible with the standard model expectation.
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 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.
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.
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).
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).
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 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.
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..