Elliptic flow and energy loss of heavy quarks in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the behavior of heavy quarks in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions using a partonic transport model, highlighting the need for radiative corrections to match experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed transport model with improved interaction cross sections for heavy quarks, emphasizing the importance of radiative processes.

Findings

Binary scatterings alone are insufficient to explain experimental data.

Radiative corrections are necessary for accurate modeling.

The model compares well with RHIC and LHC measurements when including these effects.

Abstract

The space-time propagation of heavy quarks in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions is studied within the partonic transport model Boltzmann Approach of MultiParton Scatterings (BAMPS). In this model heavy quarks interact with the partonic medium via binary scatterings. The cross sections for these interactions are calculated with leading order perturbative QCD, but feature a more precise Debye screening derived within the hard thermal loop approximation and obey the running of the coupling. Within this framework the elliptic flow and the nuclear modification factor of heavy quarks are computed for RHIC and LHC energies and compared to available experimental data. It is found that binary scatterings alone cannot reproduce the data and, therefore, radiative corrections have to be taken into account.