Neutral pion nuclear modification factor in OO and pO collisions

23 Jun 2026, 09:30
20m
Buttrick 101

Buttrick 101

Session helpers - Kyle Devereaux and Lipei Du

Speaker

Nicolas Strangmann (Goethe University Frankfurt (DE))

Description

Energy loss of high-momentum partons is one of the key signatures of the quark-gluon plasma formed in heavy-ion collisions.
Through measurements of the nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm AA}$, where a strong suppression of high $p_{\text{T}}$ particle yields is observed, parton energy loss has been confirmed in Pb--Pb collisions at the LHC.
However, in small collision systems, like pp and p--Pb, energy loss has not yet been confirmed.

In this talk, a measurement of the $R_{\rm AA}$ in OO and pO collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.36$ TeV and $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 9.62$ TeV, respectively, is presented. These results are based on the measured particle $p_{\text{T}}$ spectra of $\pi^0$ in OO, pO, and pp collisions using the ALICE Electromagnetic Calorimeter.
The measurement of the $R_{\rm pO}$ allows precise constraints on cold-nuclear matter effects. In combination with the $R_{\rm OO}$, this allows for a separation of cold and hot nuclear matter contributions and enables a quantitative determination of partonic energy loss in OO collisions.
The measurements are compared to theoretical model calculations that include both cold and hot nuclear matter effects.

Is this an experimental talk? Yes
Is this on behalf of a collaboration? Yes
Which collaboration? ALICE
Are you willing to present as a poster if it is not selected for oral presentation? Yes

Presentation materials