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Hyperon production in p-Pb collisions with ALICE at the LHC

Alexandre, Didier (2016)
Ph.D. thesis, University of Birmingham.

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Abstract

This thesis discusses the production of the multi-strange, charged Ξ and Ω baryons in proton-lead (p-Pb) collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. The transverse momentum, P$$_T$$, distributions are analysed as a function of event multiplicity. A hydrodynamical model based on statistical physics reproduces the shapes of the multi-strange p$$_T$$spectra, in conjunction with the spectra of lighter hadrons, in high multiplicity data. The good agreement is an indication of collective behaviour by all particles inside a system in thermal equilibrium, consistent with the picture of the build {up of a radially outward expansion due to an initially dense medium. These results are reminiscent of the observations made in lead-lead (Pb-Pb) collisions, which are explained by the formation of a Quark-Gluon Plasma. In addition, the p$$_T$$-integrated yields of the hyperons are reported on, revealing a steady increase as a function of multiplicity. An enhancement with respect to non-strange hadrons is observed, and the Ξ/π and Ω/π ratios in high multiplicity p-Pb data approach those measured in central Pb-Pb collisions. The Ξ/π ratio is comparable with the calculations from a thermal model for strangeness saturation, whereas the Ω/π ratio deviates from that value by 2σ.

Type of Work: Ph.D. thesis. Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Engineering & Physical Sciences School of Physics and Astronomy, Nuclear Physics Group Publication resulting from research: ALICE Collaboration, 2016. Multi-strange baryon production in p-Pb collisions at √$$^S$$NN = 5.02 TeV. Physics Letters B, 758, pp.389-401. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physletb.2016.05.027 QC Physics University of Birmingham 6924
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