Mapping the proton's fluctuating size and shape
Published
Journal Article
We discuss a mechanism for the apparently universal scaling in the high-multiplicity tail of charged particle distributions for high-energy nuclear collisions. We argue that this scaling behavior originates from rare fluctuations of the nucleon density. We discuss a pair of simple models of proton shape fluctuations. A "fat" proton with a size of 3 fm occurs with observable frequency. In light of this result, collective flow behavior in the ensuing nuclear interaction seems feasible. We discuss the influence of these models on the large-x structure of the proton and the likely influences on the distribution of initial-state spatial eccentricities εn. © 2014 American Physical Society.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Coleman-Smith, CE; Müller, B
Published Date
- January 27, 2014
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 89 / 2
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1550-2368
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1550-7998
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1103/PhysRevD.89.025019
Citation Source
- Scopus