Self-Similarity of the Negative Binomial Multiplicity Distributions

Abstract

The negative binomial distribution is self similar: If the spectrum over the whole rapidity range gives rise to a negative binomial, in absence of correlation and if the source is unique, also a partial range in rapidity gives rise to the same distribution. The property is not seen in experimental data, which are rather consistent with the presence of a number of independent sources. When multiplicities are very large self similarity might be used to isolate individual sources is a complex production process.