Fractional Energy Loss and Centrality Scaling

Abstract

The phenomenon of centrality scaling in the high-\pt spectra of $\pi^0$ produced in Au-Au collisions at $\sqrt s=200$ GeV is examined in the framework of relating fractional energy loss to fractional centrality increase. A new scaling behavior is found where the scaling variable is given a power-law dependence on $N_{\rm part}$. The exponent $\gamma$ specifies the fractional proportionality relationship between energy loss and centrality, and is a phenomenologically determined number that characterizes the nuclear suppression effect. The implication on the parton energy loss in the context of recombination is discussed.