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Cronin effect in proton-nucleus collisions: a survey of theoretical models

Alberto Accardi

TL;DR

The paper surveys three theoretical frameworks for the Cronin effect in proton-nucleus collisions—soft hadronic rescattering, soft partonic rescattering in the colour dipole approach, and hard partonic rescattering—across a wide energy range. It translates each model into predictions for Cronin observables, notably the peak position $p_M$ and height $R_M$, while highlighting large uncertainties from nuclear shadowing and infrared regulators. The results emphasize that RHIC and LHC energies amplify these uncertainties and suggest that dedicated pA runs and pseudorapidity systematics could discriminate among models and provide reliable baselines for heavy-ion studies. Overall, the work clarifies initial-state effects and guides future experimental tests to validate or refute competing Cronin mechanisms.

Abstract

I compare the available theoretical models that describe the Cronin effect on hadron and minijet production in proton-nucleus collisions, pointing out similarities and differences among them. The effect may be summarized by the value of two variables. Their values computed in the different models are compared in the energy range 27.4 GeV - 5500 GeV. Finally, I propose to use the pseudorapidity systematics as a further handle to distinguish among the models.

Cronin effect in proton-nucleus collisions: a survey of theoretical models

TL;DR

The paper surveys three theoretical frameworks for the Cronin effect in proton-nucleus collisions—soft hadronic rescattering, soft partonic rescattering in the colour dipole approach, and hard partonic rescattering—across a wide energy range. It translates each model into predictions for Cronin observables, notably the peak position and height , while highlighting large uncertainties from nuclear shadowing and infrared regulators. The results emphasize that RHIC and LHC energies amplify these uncertainties and suggest that dedicated pA runs and pseudorapidity systematics could discriminate among models and provide reliable baselines for heavy-ion studies. Overall, the work clarifies initial-state effects and guides future experimental tests to validate or refute competing Cronin mechanisms.

Abstract

I compare the available theoretical models that describe the Cronin effect on hadron and minijet production in proton-nucleus collisions, pointing out similarities and differences among them. The effect may be summarized by the value of two variables. Their values computed in the different models are compared in the energy range 27.4 GeV - 5500 GeV. Finally, I propose to use the pseudorapidity systematics as a further handle to distinguish among the models.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 6 sections, 12 equations, 1 figure.

Table of Contents

  1. INTRODUCTION
  2. THE MODELS
  3. Soft hadronic rescattering models Wang00 ZFPBL02
  4. Soft partonic rescatterings: the colour dipole model KNST02
  5. Hard partonic rescattering model AT01 GV02
  6. PREDICTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

Figures (1)

  • Figure 1: Definition of $p_\times, p_M, R_M$.