Jet studies with STAR at RHIC: jet algorithms, jet shapes, jets in AA

TL;DR

This paper discusses the use of full jet reconstruction techniques in heavy ion collisions at RHIC to study medium modifications of jet structures, addressing background challenges and presenting recent experimental results.

Contribution

It introduces advanced jet reconstruction methods and reports new measurements of jet properties in different collision systems at RHIC.

Findings

Jet structure modifications observed in Au+Au compared to p+p/d+Au.

Progress in background fluctuation characterization for jet measurements.

Recent experimental results on jet spectra and shapes at RHIC.

Abstract

Hard scattered partons are predicted to be well calibrated probes of the hot and dense medium produced in heavy ion collisions. Interactions of these partons with the medium w ill result in modifications of internal jet structure in Au+Au events compared to that observed in the p+p/d+Au reference. Full jet reconstruction is a promising tool to measu re these effects without the significant biases present in measurements with high-$\pT$ hadrons. One of the most significant challenges for jet reconstruction in the heavy ion environment comes from the correct characterization of the background fluctuations. The jet mome ntum irresolution due to background fluctuations has to be understood in order to recover the correct jet spectrum. Recent progress in jet reconstruction methodology is discu ssed, as well as recent measurements from p+p, d+Au and Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}=200 \gev$.