Transverse momentum spectra of charged particles in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 900$ GeV with ALICE at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper reports measurements of charged particle transverse momentum spectra in proton-proton collisions at 900 GeV using ALICE at the LHC, providing insights into particle production and comparing results with Monte Carlo simulations.

Contribution

First measurement of charged particle transverse momentum spectra at 900 GeV in proton-proton collisions with ALICE, including correlation with multiplicity and comparison to models.

Findings

Average transverse momentum is about 0.48 GeV/c for INEL and NSD events.

Data shows slightly larger <p_T> than wider pseudorapidity measurements.

Results are consistent with or slightly above Monte Carlo predictions.

Abstract

The inclusive charged particle transverse momentum distribution is measured in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 900$ GeV at the LHC using the ALICE detector. The measurement is performed in the central pseudorapidity region $(|\eta|<0.8)$ over the transverse momentum range $0.15<p_{\rm T}<10$ GeV/$c$. The correlation between transverse momentum and particle multiplicity is also studied. Results are presented for inelastic (INEL) and non-single-diffractive (NSD) events. The average transverse momentum for $|\eta|<0.8$ is $\left<p_{\rm T}\right>_{\rm INEL}=0.483\pm0.001$ (stat.) $\pm0.007$ (syst.) GeV/$c$ and $\left<p_{\rm T}\right>_{\rm NSD}=0.489\pm0.001$ (stat.) $\pm0.007$ (syst.) GeV/$c$, respectively. The data exhibit a slightly larger $\left<p_{\rm T}\right>$ than measurements in wider pseudorapidity intervals. The results are compared to simulations with the Monte Carlo event generators PYTHIA and PHOJET.