Tracing a phase transition with fluctuations of the largest fragment size: Statistical multifragmentation models and the ALADIN S254 data

TL;DR

This paper investigates phase transition signatures in nuclear fragmentation by analyzing fluctuations in the largest fragment size, using statistical models and experimental data, to identify transition points and estimate freeze-out temperatures.

Contribution

It demonstrates that cumulant-based signatures of phase transitions are consistent across different isotopic sources and are well reproduced by the Statistical Multifragmentation Model (SMM).

Findings

Transition signatures are weakly dependent on A/Z ratio.

Estimated chemical freeze-out temperatures range from 5.9 to 6.5 MeV.

Experimental results align with SMM predictions.

Abstract

A phase transition signature associated with cumulants of the largest fragment size distribution has been identified in statistical multifragmentation models and examined in analysis of the ALADIN S254 data on fragmentation of neutron-poor and neutron-rich projectiles. Characteristics of the transition point indicated by this signature are weakly dependent on the A/Z ratio of the fragmenting spectator source. In particular, chemical freeze-out temperatures are estimated within the range 5.9 to 6.5 MeV. The experimental results are well reproduced by the SMM model.