Single Freeze-Out, Statistics and Pion, Kaon and Proton Production in Central Pb-Pb Collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 2.76$ TeV

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a single freeze-out model, accounting for the statistical nature of data and excluding weakly bound states, accurately reproduces pion, kaon, and proton spectra in central Pb-Pb collisions at 2.76 TeV.

Contribution

It introduces a refined single freeze-out model that incorporates the statistical interpretation of data and excludes weakly bound states to fit high-energy collision spectra.

Findings

Successful fit to pion, kaon, and proton spectra at LHC energies

Accurate prediction of low pT particle distributions and p/π ratio

Implications for the understanding of freeze-out conditions in heavy-ion collisions

Abstract

Many data in the high energy physics are, in fact, sample means. It is shown that when this exact meaning of the data is taken into account and the most weakly bound states are removed from the hadron resonance gas, the acceptable fit to the whole spectra of pions, kaons and protons measured at midrapidity in central Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 2.76$ TeV [Phys.Rev.Lett.109,252301(2012)] is obtained. The invariant distributions are predicted with the help of the single-freeze-out model in the chemical equilibrium framework. Low $p_{T}$ pions and protons are reproduced simultaneously as well as $p/\pi$ ratio. Additionally, correct predictions extend over lower parts of large $p_{T}$ data. Some more general, possible implications of this approach are pointed out.