Heavy ion physics at the LHC with the ATLAS detector

P Steinberg,The Atlas Collaboration

doi:10.1088/0954-3899/34/8/s43

P Steinberg, The Atlas Collaboration

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1088/0954-3899/34/8/s43

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Abstract

The ATLAS detector at CERN will provide a high-resolution longitudinally segmented calorimeter and precision tracking for the upcoming study of heavy ion collisions at the LHC ( GeV). The calorimeter covers |η| < 5 with both electromagnetic and hadronic sections, while the inner detector spectrometer covers |η| < 2.5. ATLAS will study a full range of observables necessary to characterize the hot and dense matter formed at the LHC. Global measurements (particle multiplicities, collective flow) will provide access into its thermodynamic and hydrodynamic properties. Measuring complete jets out to 100's of GeV will allow detailed studies of energy loss and its effect on jets. Quarkonia will provide a handle on deconfinement mechanisms. ATLAS will also study the structure of the nucleon and nucleus using forward physics probes and ultraperipheral collisions, both enabled by segmented zero degree calorimeters.

Highlights

Heavy Ion Physics at the LHCHeavy ion physics at the LHC is the natural step in the evolution of the understanding of QCD
The ATLAS detector is a powerful tool for studying the high multiplicity of particles that emerge from the collision of protons and nuclei [13, 14]
ATLAS will be sensitive to quarkonia states over a wide kinematic range, and will probe various aspects of deconfinement dynamics

Summary

Introduction

Heavy ion physics at the LHC is the natural step in the evolution of the understanding of QCD. This can be seen most clearly when one considers the dynamical evolution of a heavy ion collision. By the study of particle yields in η, φ and pT , both inclusive and identified, one can make connections to hydrodynamics (both ideal and not) and probe the equation of state which encodes the relevant microscopic degrees of freedom [4]. We discuss the progress of the ATLAS heavy ion effort to ready itself for Pb+Pb running in late 2008 or early 2009. Previous progress in preparations for ATLAS running have been reported in Refs. [7, 8, 9, 10, 11] and in the Letter of Intent [12]. ‡

ATLAS Detector

Global Dynamics

Quarkonia

Low x Physics

Findings

Conclusion