arXiv subjects

Sean Gavin

Publications and source records attributed to Sean Gavin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2021

Complementary Two-Particle Correlation Observables for Relativistic Nuclear Collisions

Two-particle correlations are a widely used tool for studying relativistic nuclear collisions. Multiplicity fluctuations comparing charge and particle species have been studied as a possible signal for Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) and the QCD critical point. These fluctuation studies all make use of particle variances which can be shown to originate with a two-particle correlation function. Momentum correlations and covariances of momentum fluctuations, which arise from the same correlation function, have also been used to extract properties of the nuclear collision medium such as the shear viscosity to entropy density ratio, the shear relaxation time, and temperature fluctuations. Searches for critical fluctuations are also done with these correlation observables. We derive a mathematical relationship between several number and momentum density correlation observables and outline the different physics mechanisms often ascribed to each. This set of observables also contains a new multiplicity-momentum correlation. Our mathematical relation can be used as a validation tool for measurements, as a method for interpreting the relative contributions of different physics mechanisms on correlation observables, and as a test for theoretical and phenomenological models to simultaneously explain all observables. We compare an independent source model to simulated events from PYTHIA for all observables in the set.

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arXiv2018

Measuring the Rate of Isotropization of Quark-Gluon Plasma Using Rapidity Correlations

We propose that rapidity dependent momentum correlations can be used to extract the shear relaxation time $\tau_\pi$ of the medium formed in high energy nuclear collisions. The stress-energy tensor in an equilibrium quark-gluon plasma is isotropic, but in nuclear collisions it is likely very far from this state. The relaxation time $\tau_\pi$ characterizes the rate of isotropization and is a transport coefficient as fundamental as the shear viscosity. We show that fluctuations emerging from the initial anisotropy survive to freeze-out, in excess of thermal fluctuations, influencing rapidity correlation patterns. We show that these correlations can be used to extract $\tau_\pi$. We describe a method for calculating the rapidity dependence of two-particle momentum correlations with a second order, causal, diffusion equation that includes Langevin noise as a source of thermal fluctuations. The causality requirement introduces the relaxation time and we link the shape of the rapidity correlation pattern to its presence. Here we examine how different equations of state and temperature dependent transport coefficients in the presence of realistic hydrodynamic flow influence the estimate of $\tau_\pi$. In comparison to RHIC data, we find that the ratio $\tau_\pi/\nu \approx 5-6$ where $\nu=\eta/sT$ is the kinematic viscosity.

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arXiv2016

Boltzmann-Langevin Approach to Pre-equilibrium Correlations in Nuclear Collisions

Correlations born before the onset of hydrodynamic flow can leave observable traces on the final state particles. Measurement of these correlations can yield important information on the isotropization and thermalization process. Starting from a Boltzmann-like kinetic theory in the presence of dynamic Langevin noise, we derive a new partial differential equation for the two-particle correlation function that respects the microscopic conservation laws. We illustrate how this equation can be used to study the effect of thermalization on long range correlations.

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arXiv2016

Rapidity correlations test stochastic hydrodynamics

We show that measurements of the rapidity dependence of transverse momentum correlations can be used to determine the characteristic time $\tau_{\pi}$ that dictates the rate of isotropization of the stress energy tensor, as well as the shear viscosity $\nu = \eta/sT$. We formulate methods for computing these correlations using second order dissipative hydrodynamics with noise. Current data are consistent with $\tau_{\pi}/\nu \sim 10$ but targeted measurements can improve this precision.

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arXiv2016

Rapidity Correlation Structures from Causal Hydrodynamics

Viscous diffusion can broaden the rapidity dependence of two-particle transverse momentum fluctuations. Surprisingly, measurements at RHIC by the STAR collaboration demonstrate that this broadening is accompanied by the appearance of unanticipated structure in the rapidity distribution of these fluctuations in the most central collisions. Although a first order classical Navier-Stokes theory can roughly explain the rapidity broadening, it cannot explain the additional structure. We propose that the rapidity structure can be explained using the second order causal Israel-Stewart hydrodynamics with stochastic noise.

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arXiv2016

Rapidity Correlation Structure in Nuclear Collisions

We show that measurements of the rapidity dependence of transverse momentum correlations can be used to determine the characteristic time $\tau_\pi$ that dictates the rate of isotropization of the stress energy tensor, as well as the shear viscosity $\nu = \eta/sT$. We formulate methods for computing these correlations using second order dissipative hydrodynamics with noise. Current data are consistent with $\tau_\pi/\nu \sim 10$, but targeted measurements can improve this precision.

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arXiv2012

Fluctuation and flow probes of early-time correlations in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Fluctuation and correlation observables are often measured using multi-particle correlation methods and therefore mutually probe the origins of genuine correlations present in multi-particle distribution functions. We investigate the common influence of correlations arising from the spatially inhomogeneous initial state on multiplicity and momentum fluctuations as well as flow fluctuations. Although these observables reflect different aspects of the initial state, taken together, they can constrain a correlation scale set at the earliest moments of the collision. We calculate both the correlation scale in an initial stage Glasma flux tube picture and the modification to these correlations from later stage hydrodynamic flow and find quantitative agreement with experimental measurements over a range of collision systems and energies.

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arXiv2012

Flow Fluctuations from Early-Time Correlations in Nuclear Collisions

We propose that flow fluctuations have the same origin as transverse momentum fluctuations. The common source of these fluctuations is the spatially inhomogeneous initial state that drives hydrodynamic flow. Longitudinal correlations from an early Glasma stage followed by hydrodynamic flow quantitatively account for many features of multiplicity and $p_t$ fluctuation data. We develop a framework for studying flow and its fluctuations in this picture. We then compute elliptic and triangular flow fluctuations, and study their connections to the ridge.

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arXiv2011

Fluctuation Probes of Early-Time Correlations in Nuclear Collisions

Correlation measurements imply that anisotropic flow in nuclear collisions includes a novel triangular component along with the more familiar elliptic-flow contribution. Triangular flow has been attributed to event-wise fluctuations in the initial shape of the collision volume. We ask two questions: 1) How do these shape fluctuations impact other event-by-event observables? 2) Can we disentangle fundamental information on the early time fluctuations from the complex flow that results? We study correlation and fluctuation observables in a framework in which flux tubes in an early Glasma stage later produce hydrodynamic flow. Calculated multiplicity and transverse momentum fluctuations are in excellent agreement with data from 62.4 GeV Au+Au up to 2.76 TeV Pb+Pb.

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arXiv2011

Longitudinal dependence of two-particle momentum correlations from NEXSPHERIO model

The rapidity dependence of two-particle momentum correlations can be used to probe the viscosity of the liquid produced in heavy nuclei collisions at RHIC. We reexamine this probe in light of the recent experimental analyses of the azimuthal-angle dependence of number correlations, which demonstrate the importance of initial state fluctuations propagated by hydrodynamic flow in these correlations. The NEXSPHERIO model combines fluctuating initial conditions with viscosity-free hydrodynamic evolution and, indeed, has been shown to describe azimuthal correlations. We use this model to compute the number density correlation $R_{2}$ and the momentum current correlation function {\it C}, at low transverse momentum in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = $~200 GeV. {\it C} is sensitive to details of the collision dynamics. Its longitudinal width is expected to broaden under the influence of viscous effects and narrow in the presence of sizable radial flow. While NEXSPHERIO model qualitatively describes the emergence of a near-side ridge-like structure for both the $R_2$ and {\it C} observables, we find that it predicts a longitudinal narrowing of the near side peak of these correlation functions for increasing number of participants in contrast with recent observations by the STAR Collaboration of a significant broadening in most central collisions relative to peripheral collisions.

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arXiv2010

Effects of Momentum Conservation and Flow on Angular Correlations at RHIC

Correlations of azimuthal angles observed at RHIC have gained great attention due to the prospect of identifying fluctuations of parity-odd regions in the field sector of QCD. Whereas the observable of interest related to parity fluctuations involves subtracting opposite-sign from same-sign correlations, the STAR collaboration reported the same-sign and opposite-sign correlations separately. It is shown here how momentum conservation combined with collective elliptic flow contributes significantly to this class of correlations, though not to the difference between the opposite- and same-sign observables. The effects are modeled with a crude simulation of a pion gas. Though the simulation reproduces the scale of the correlation, the centrality dependence is found to be sufficiently different in character to suggest additional considerations beyond those present in the pion gas simulation presented here.

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arXiv2009

The Glasma and the Hard Ridge

Correlation measurements indicate that excess two particle correlations extend over causally disconnected rapidity ranges. Although, this enhancement is broad in relative rapidity $η=η_1 - η_2$, it is focused in a narrow region in relative azimuthal angle $ϕ=ϕ_1 - ϕ_2$. The resulting structure looks like a ridge centered at $η= ϕ=0$. Similar ridge structures are observed in correlations of particles associated with a jet trigger (the hard ridge) and in correlations without a trigger (the soft ridge). The long range rapidity behavior requires that the correlation originates in the earliest stage of the collision, and probes properties of the production mechanism. Glasma initial conditions as predicted by the theory of Color Glass Condensate and provide a and early stage correlation that naturally extends far in rapidity. We have previously shown that the soft ridge is a consequence of particles forming from an initial Glasma phase that experience a later stage transverse flow. We extend this work to study the ridge dependence on the $p_t$ of the correlated pairs. We then determine the soft contribution to the hard ridge.

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arXiv2009

Soft Contribution to the Hard Ridge in Relativistic Nuclear Collisions

Nuclear collisions exhibit long-range rapidity correlations not present in proton-proton collisions. Because the correlation structure is wide in relative pseudorapidity and narrow in relative azimuthal angle, it is known as the ridge. Similar ridge structures are observed in correlations of particles associated with a jet trigger (the hard ridge) as well as correlations without a trigger (the soft ridge). Earlier we argued that the soft ridge arises when particles formed in an early Glasma stage later manifest transverse flow. We extend this study to address new soft ridge measurements. We then determine the contribution of flow to the hard ridge.

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arXiv2009

Two Ridges, One Explanation

We attribute the phenomenon known as "the ridge" to long range initial state correlations from Color Glass Condensate flux tubes and later stage radial flow. We show that this description can explain the amplitude and azimuthal width of the soft ridge and nearly explain that of the hard ridge, suggesting that the two are essentially the same phenomenon.

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arXiv2009

Long Range Correlations and the Soft Ridge in Relativistic Nuclear Collisions

Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider experiments exhibit correlations peaked in relative azimuthal angle and extended in rapidity. Called the ridge, this peak occurs both with and without a jet trigger. We argue that the untriggered ridge arises when particles formed by flux tubes in an early glasma stage later manifest transverse flow. Combining a blast wave model of flow fixed by single-particle spectra with a simple description of the glasma, we find excellent agreement with current data.

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arXiv2008

Viscosity and the Soft Ridge at RHIC

Correlation studies exhibit a ridge-like feature in rapidity and azimuthal angle, with and without a jet trigger. We ask whether the feature in untriggered correlations can be a consequence of transverse flow and viscous diffusion.

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arXiv2008

Transverse Radial Flow Effects on Two- and Three-Particle Angular Correlations

We use a simple a transverse radial boost scenario coupled to PYTHIA events to illustrate the impact radial flow may have on two- and three-particle correlation functions measured in heavy-ion collisions. We show that modest radial velocities can impart strong modifications to the correlation functions, some of which may be interpreted as same side ridge and away side structure that can mimic conical emission.

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arXiv2007

Status and Promise of Particle Interferometry in Heavy-Ion Collisions

After five years of running at RHIC, and on the eve of the LHC heavy-ion program, we highlight the status of femtoscopic measurements. We emphasize the role interferometry plays in addressing fundamental questions about the state of matter created in such collisions, and present an enumerated list of measurements, analyses and calculations that are needed to advance the field in the coming years.

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