Study of j/ψ production and cold nuclear matter effects in pPb collisions at √SNN = 5 TeV

This research investigates the production of J/ψ mesons in proton-lead (pPb) collisions at a specific energy level (√SNN = 5 TeV) using the LHCb detector. The study focuses on J/ψ mesons reconstructed through their dimuon decay. A significant data sample was analyzed to determine the nuclear modification factor and production ratios for prompt J/ψ mesons versus those originating from b-hadron decays. The findings reveal a notable suppression of prompt J/ψ meson production at high rapidity when compared to proton-proton collisions. Conversely, J/ψ mesons from b-hadron decays show less suppression. These results align with theoretical predictions and highlight the crucial role of cold nuclear matter effects in understanding quark-gluon plasma signatures in heavy-ion collisions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main research focus of this PhD programme?

This PhD programme investigates the production of J/ψ mesons in proton-lead (pPb) collisions at √SNN = 5 TeV using the LHCb detector, focusing on their dimuon decay and analysing nuclear modification factors.

What are the key findings of the research conducted in this programme?

The research found a notable suppression of prompt J/ψ meson production at high rapidity compared to proton-proton collisions, while J/ψ mesons from b-hadron decays showed less suppression.

What is the significance of these findings for understanding heavy-ion collisions?

These results highlight the crucial role of cold nuclear matter effects in understanding quark-gluon plasma signatures in heavy-ion collisions and align with theoretical predictions.

What is the integrated luminosity mentioned in the programme highlights?

The integrated luminosity for this study is 1.6 nb−1.

When was the publication associated with this research?

The publication related to this research was in 2014.