Azimuth Quadrupole Spectra derived from 2.76 TeV Pb-Pb PID Differential $v_2(p_t)$ Data

Abstract

$v_2(p_t)$ data are intended to estimate the amplitude of an azimuth component of particle spectra interpreted as representing elliptic flow of a dense QCD medium. As defined, $ v_2(p_t)$ is a ratio with a single-particle spectrum appearing in its denominator. Its numerator represents a spectrum Fourier component arising from a boosted particle source. The Cooper-Frye (CF) formalism may be used to describe emission from a boosted source. CF analysis reveals that the $v_2(p_t)$ numerator includes a factor $ p_t$ in the boost frame with major consequences for data interpretation. A unique quadrupole $p_t$ spectrum may be isolated from $v_2(p_t)$ data and compared directly with the single-particle spectrum in the $v_2$ denominator and with hydro theory. A monopole boost (aka radial flow) value may be estimated from $v_2(p_t)$ data. Several novel results emerge via the Cooper-Frye analysis.