QCD saturation at the LHC: comparisons of models to p+p and A+A data and predictions for p+Pb collisions

TL;DR

This paper evaluates saturation models constrained by HERA data against LHC and RHIC p+p and A+A collision data, and predicts outcomes for p+Pb collisions, demonstrating their broad applicability.

Contribution

The study extends saturation model comparisons to A+A collisions and provides predictions for p+Pb collisions at the LHC, based on prior HERA-constrained models.

Findings

Saturation models agree well with p+p data at LHC.

Models successfully describe bulk distributions in A+A collisions.

Predictions for p+Pb collisions at the LHC are provided.

Abstract

In a previous paper (arXiv:1011.1895), we showed that saturation models, constrained by e+p HERA data on inclusive and diffractive cross-sections, are in good agreement with p+p data at LHC in the soft sector. Particularly impressive was the agreement of saturation models with the multiplicity distribution as a function of $n_{\rm ch.}$. In this paper, we extend these studies further and consider the agreement of these models with data on bulk distributions in A+A collisions. We compare our results to data on central and forward particle production in d+Au collisions at RHIC and make predictions for inclusive distributions in p+Pb collisions at the LHC.