EPOS4 Model Predictions for Global Observables in Pb-Pb Collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.36 TeV

TL;DR

This paper provides detailed predictions from the EPOS4 model for key global observables in Pb-Pb collisions at 5.36 TeV, highlighting the model's ability to describe collective flow and suppression phenomena in the Quark-Gluon Plasma.

Contribution

The study offers the first comprehensive EPOS4 model predictions at 5.36 TeV, extending previous energy extrapolations and demonstrating consistency with existing data.

Findings

EPOS4 accurately predicts the multiplicity and transverse momentum distributions.

The model captures the mass-dependent radial flow signature.

Predicted suppression of high-$p_T$ particles aligns with energy loss mechanisms.

Abstract

The study of the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP), a deconfined state of nuclear matter, remains a central focus of high-energy heavy-ion collision experiments. The recent operation of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Run 3 at the new center-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5.36$ TeV necessitates theoretical predictions to characterize the energy dependence and bulk properties of the medium. In this study, we present comprehensive EPOS4 model predictions for key global observables in Pb-Pb collisions at $5.36$ TeV. We focus on the centrality dependence of the charged-particle pseudorapidity density ($dN_{ch}/d\eta$), integrated yields ($dN/dy$), mean transverse momentum ($\langle p_{T}\rangle$) for light-flavor hadrons ($\pi^{\pm}, K^{\pm}, p(\bar{p})$), and the charged particle nuclear modification factor ($R_{AA}$). The EPOS4 framework successfully captures the strong mass-dependent rise of $\langle p_{T}\rangle$ with multiplicity, a definitive signature of collective radial flow. Furthermore, the predicted charged hadron $R_{AA}$ demonstrates a clear suppression, consistent with energy loss mechanisms incorporated into the model. By comparing these predictions to existing $5.02$ TeV data, we demonstrate that the EPOS4 model offers a consistent and robust description of heavy-ion dynamics, projecting minimal energy evolution for these bulk and hard-probe observables between the two energies.