Anisotropy as a signature of transverse collective flow

Mar 20, 1992
49 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.D 46 (1992) 229-245
Report number:
  • SACLAY-SPH-T-92-016

Citations per year

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Abstract: (APS)
We show that anisotropies in transverse-momentum distributions provide an unambiguous signature of transverse collective flow in ultrarelativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions. We define a measure of the anisotropy from experimental observables. The anisotropy coming from collective effects is estimated quantitatively using a hydrodynamical model, and compared to the anisotropy originating from finite multiplicity fluctuations. We conclude that collective behavior could be seen in Pb-Pb collisions if a few hundred particle momenta were measured in a central event.
  • nucleus nucleus: nuclear reaction
  • lead
  • scattering: heavy ion
  • heavy ion: scattering
  • transverse momentum: anisotropy
  • particle flow: collective phenomena
  • relativistic
  • central region
  • hydrodynamics
  • thermodynamics