Statistical hadronization phenomenology in heavy ion collisions at SPS and RHIC energies

This dissertation examines the phenomenology of statistical hadronization at ultrarelativistic energies. We start with an overview of current experimental and theoretical issues in Relativistic heavy ion physics. We then introduce statistical hadronization, and show how it gives a description of particle abundances and spectra through relativistic covariance and entropy maximization. We argue that several statistical hadronization models are possible; In particular, a distinction can be made between equilibrated staged freeze-out in which post-formation hadron interactions play an important role in determining final-state observables, and non-equilibrium sudden freeze-out where spectra and abundances get determined at the same time and further interactions are negligible. We attempt to falsify sudden freeze-out by examining whether particle abundances and spectra can be described using the same formation temperature. This is done both in the chemical equilibrium framework, and using a chemical non-equilibrium ansatz. Our fits to experimental data suggest that the sudden freeze-out model explains both the particle abundances and spectra. We then try to extract the particle formation temperature, and quantify post-freeze-out hadronic interactions using experimentally observable resonances. We discuss observed resonances and suggest further measurements that have the potential to distinguish between the possible freeze-out scenarios experimentally. Finally, we infer from experimental data how particle formation proceeds in spacetime, in particular whether freeze-out dynamics agrees with the sudden freeze-out expectation. We examine particle spectra, and show that they are not sensitive enough to pick the right freeze-out dynamics. We suggest resonances and azimuthal anisotropy as experimental probes for this task.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate College

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Arizona.

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Torrieri, Giorgio

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Rafelski, Johann

• Physics, Nuclear.
• Physics, Elementary Particles and High Energy.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/280537

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/280537