Baryon Stopping as a new Probe of Geometric Scaling

TL;DR

This paper proposes using net-baryon rapidity distributions in heavy-ion collisions as a new method to probe saturation physics, demonstrating geometric scaling within the color glass condensate framework and providing predictions for LHC energies.

Contribution

It introduces net-baryon rapidity distributions as a novel observable for saturation physics and shows their geometric scaling behavior within the color glass condensate model.

Findings

Net-baryon rapidity distributions exhibit geometric scaling.

Comparison with RHIC data shows approach to gluon saturation.

Predictions made for LHC net-baryon spectra and rapidity loss.

Abstract

We suggest to use net-baryon rapidity distributions in central relativistic heavy-ion collisions at SPS, RHIC and LHC energies in order to probe saturation physics. Within the color glass condensate framework based on small-coupling QCD, net-baryon rapidity distributions are shown to exhibit geometric scaling. In a comparison with RHIC data in Au + Au collisions at sqrt(s_NN) = 62.4 GeV and 200 GeV the gradual approach to the gluon saturation regime is investigated. Predictions for net-baryon rapidity spectra and the mean rapidity loss in central Pb + Pb collisions at LHC energies of sqrt (s_NN) = 5.5 TeV are made.