Multiplicity in pp and AA collisions: the same power law from energy-momentum constraints in string production

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that charged particle multiplicity in both proton-proton and nucleus-nucleus collisions follows the same power law behavior driven by energy-momentum constraints within the String Percolation Model, explaining observed differences at various energies.

Contribution

It reveals that the same power law governs multiplicity in pp and AA collisions, attributing differences to energy-momentum constraints at low energies within the model.

Findings

Power law describes multiplicity dependence on energy in both collision types.

Energy-momentum constraints limit string formation at low energies.

Model accurately predicts data and extends to future LHC energies.

Abstract

We show that the dependence of the charged particle multiplicity on the centre-of-mass energy of the collision is, in the String Percolation Model, driven by the same power law behavior in both proton-proton and nucleus- nucleus collisions. The observed different growths are a result of energy- momentum constraints that limit the number of formed strings at low en- ergy. Based on the very good description of the existing data, we provide predictions for future high energy LHC runs.