Nuclear Modification Factor (RA̲̳A̳̲) in center of mass energy 200 GeV for Cu + Cu collisions at forward rapidity

Author

Dwayne John, University of Tennessee

Date of Award

5-2009

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Physics

Major Professor

Ken Read

Abstract

Relativistic heavy-ion collisions are an integral component in studying the small-scale structure of the universe and a probe for nuclear processes. Measurements are an important part of confirming any theory that plans to accurately describe the fundamental processes of the universe. One such measurement of these interactions is the Nuclear Modification Factor (R[subscript AA]). This thesis presents the measurement of R[subscript AA] as a function of transverse momentum for hadrons in Cu + Cu collisions at forward angles. The experiment was performed with the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) from data recorded in 2005 by the PHENIX collaboration. A new analysis technique was developed to measure forward angle stopped hadron yields in Gap 3 of the PHENIX Muon Identifier. The yield of the stopped hadrons is measured and is used to calculate R[subscript AA].

Recommended Citation

John, Dwayne, "Nuclear Modification Factor (RA̲̳A̳̲) in center of mass energy 200 GeV for Cu + Cu collisions at forward rapidity. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2009.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/5740