Possible multiparticle ridge-like correlations in very high multiplicity proton-proton collisions

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the observed ridge-like correlations in high-multiplicity proton-proton collisions at the LHC may originate from rare events involving aligned flux tube collisions between valence quarks, leading to line-source particle emissions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel explanation for the ridge phenomenon based on flux tube alignments and suggests an additional variable related to ellipticity to detect such events.

Findings

Correlation patterns consistent with flux tube collisions

Proposal of a new variable sensitive to line sources

Potential explanation for the ridge phenomenon

Abstract

The CMS collaboration at the LHC has reported a remarkable and unexpected phenomenon in very high-multiplicity high energy proton-proton collisions: a positive correlation between two particles produced at similar azimuthal angles, spanning a large range in rapidity. We suggest that this "ridge"-like correlation may be a reflection of the rare events generated by the collision of aligned flux tubes connecting the valence quarks in the wave functions of the colliding protons. The "spray" of particles resulting from the approximate line source produced in such inelastic collisions then gives rise to events with a strong correlation between particles produced over a large range of both positive and negative rapidity. We suggest an additional variable that is sensitive to such a line source which is related to a commonly used measure, ellipticity.