Beam Energy Scan at RHIC and z-Scaling

Abstract

Beam Energy Scan (BES) data obtained at RHIC are briefly reviewed. Method of data analysis (z-scaling approach) based on self-similarity and locality of constituent interactions in hadron and nucleus collisions at high energy is described. The method is applied for analysis of BES data to search for signatures of phase transition and Critical Point (CP). Some results of analysis of hadron spectra measured in heavy ion collisions (HIC) at RHIC over a wide range of the energy sNN=7.7–200 GeV are presented. Microscopic scenario of constituent interactions in the framework of this approach is discussed. Dependence of the energy loss on the momentum of the produced hadron, energy and centrality of the collision is studied. Self-similarity of the constituent interactions in terms of momentum fractions is used to characterize the nuclear medium by a “specific heat” and the colliding nuclei by fractal dimensions. Kinematic regions which are assumed to be most preferable for search for signatures of phase transition of nuclear matter produced in HIC in BES are discussed.