Calculation of transverse energy from single particle momentum spectra

ORAL

Abstract

In high energy heavy ion collisions, measurements of transverse energy ($E_T$) can constrain the initial energy density and therefore provide insight into the formation of the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP). This is particularly interesting in regions where it is unclear if the QGP is formed. The $E_T$ in a collision can be measured either from a calorimeter or calculated from the single particle momentum spectra. We use spectra measured by the STAR collaboration to calculate the transverse energy in heavy ion collisions from the RHIC Beam Energy Scan. We use these calculations to calculate the distribution of $E_T$ by particle type. These calculations are compared to PHENIX measurements using a calorimeter. Prospects for similar calculations in small systems are discussed.

Authors

  • Christine Nattrass

    University of Tennessee

  • Biswas Sharma

    University of Tennessee

  • Soren Sorensen

    University of Tennessee

  • Ben Smith

    University of Tennessee

  • Tanner Mengel

    University of Tennessee

  • Charles Hughes

    University of Tennessee

  • Nathan Webb

    University of Tennessee