Universality of scaling entropy in charged hadron multiplicity distributions at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a universal scaling behavior of entropy in charged hadron multiplicity distributions at the LHC, linking it to gluon dynamics and initial state properties, and proposing a diffusion-based scaling framework for high-multiplicity events.

Contribution

It introduces a universal entropy scaling law in proton-proton collisions at the LHC, connecting it to gluon diffusion and challenging traditional KNO scaling.

Findings

Entropy growth shows universal behavior across different energies.

High-multiplicity events require a diffusion scaling framework.

Universal entropy growth reflects initial state gluon dynamics.

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the scaling behavior of the entropy associated with the charged hadron multiplicity distribution P(N) in proton-proton collisions at the LHC. We show that the growth of this entropic indicator as a function of the Bjorken x variable exhibits a universal behavior, consistent with observations from deep inelastic scattering (DIS). This universality suggests that the entropy scaling is a property of the initial state and reflects the diffusive nature of gluon dynamics at small x. Furthermore, we demonstrate that high-multiplicity events are not accurately described by traditional KNO scaling and require a more precise description based on a diffusion scaling framework. This new scaling emerges naturally from the universal growth of partonic entropy and offers a deeper insight into the dynamics of particle production in high-energy hadronic collisions.