Speaker
Description
Systematic comparisons between experimental measurements and theoretical models are essential for validating and improving event generators. Such comparisons offer stringent tests of the underlying physics and its implementation. The RIVET framework enables these studies through standardized and reproducible analysis routines that are directly aligned with published experimental results. Using RIVET, we present a comprehensive comparison of PHENIX measurements of transverse energy production ($dE_T/d\eta$), charged-particle multiplicity ($dN/d\eta$), and invariant yields ($dN/dp_T$) at midrapidity with simulations from PYTHIA 8, AMPT, HIJING, and SMASH. The study spans both small collision systems ($d+Au$, $^3He+Au$) and large systems ($Cu+Cu$, $Cu+Au$, $Au+Au$, and $U+U$) at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} \sim 200$ GeV, as well as $Au+Au$ collisions over a broad range of beam energies ($\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 7.7--200$ GeV). While the models reproduce general trends in the data, significant discrepancies remain, particularly at low energies and in peripheral collisions, highlighting the need for improved descriptions of particle production.
| Is this an experimental talk? | No |
|---|---|
| Is this on behalf of a collaboration? | No |
| Are you willing to present as a poster if it is not selected for oral presentation? | Yes |