Universal scaling of the elliptic flow at RHIC

Abstract

Recent PHOBOS measurements of the excitation function for the pseudo-rapidity dependence of elliptic flow in Au+Au collisions at RHIC, have posed a significant theoretical challenge. We show here that these data are described by the Buda-Lund model. A universal scaling curve, predicted by the Buda-Lund hydro model, describes not only PHOBOS data, but also recent, detailed PHENIX and STAR elliptic flow data. This is a consequence of perfect fluid hydrodynamics as implemented in the Buda-Lund hydro model.