The statistical hadronization model approach to $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV Au-Au collisions: $p_{T}$-spectra fits and global variable predictions

Abstract

Three possible scenarios of the statistical hadronization model are reexamined with the use of the $p_{T}$ spectra of the PHENIX and very low $p_{T}$ PHOBOS measurements at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ GeV. These scenarios are: (\textit{a}) full chemical non-equilibrium, (\textit{b}) strangeness chemical non-equilibrium and (\textit{c}) chemical equilibrium. Fits to the spectra are done within the Cracow single-freeze-out model, which takes into account both the expansion and resonance decays. Predictions for spectra of $\phi$, $K(892)^{\ast 0}$ and $\pi^{0}$ are also given. The global variables like the transverse energy at midrapidity, the charged particle multiplicity at midrapidity and the total multiplicity of charged particles are evaluated and their predicted values agree qualitatively well with the experimental data. The thorough analysis within this model suggests that the chemical full non-equilibrium case is the least likely and both other cases are of the similar likelihood. It is also shown that if the full chemical non-equilibrium freeze-out took place it could manifest itself in the enhancement of the $\pi^{0}$-production at very low transverse momenta.