Multiplicity dependence of charged pion, kaon, and (anti)proton production at large transverse momentum in p-Pb collisions at \(\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}\)= 5.02 TeV

Abstract

The production of charged pions, kaons and (anti)protons has been measured at mid-rapidity \(-0.5 < y < 0\) in p-Pb collisions at \(\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 5.02\) TeV using the ALICE detector at the LHC. Exploiting particle identification capabilities at high transverse momentum \(p_{\rm T}\) , the previously published \(p_{\rm T}\) spectra have been extended to include measurements up to 20 GeV/\).\) for seven multiplicity event classes. The \(p_{\rm T}\) spectra for pp collisions at \(\sqrt{s}=7\) TeV, needed to interpolate a pp reference spectrum, have also been extended up to 20 GeV/\).\) to measure the nuclear modification factor \(R_{\rm pPb}\) in non-single diffractive p-Pb collisions. At intermediate transverse momentum \(2 < p_{\rm T} < 10\) GeV/\).\) the proton-to-pion ratio increases with multiplicity in p-Pb collisions, a similar effect is not present in the kaon-to-pion ratio. The \(p_{\rm T}\) dependent structure of such increase is qualitatively similar to those observed in pp and heavy-ion collisions. At high \(p_{\rm T}\) \(>10\) GeV/\).\) , the particle ratios are consistent with those reported for pp and Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC energies. At intermediate \(p_{\rm T}\) the (anti)proton \(R_{\rm pPb}\) shows a Cronin-like enhancement, while pions and kaons show little or no nuclear modification. At high \(p_{\rm T}\) the charged pion, kaon and (anti)proton \(R_{\rm pPb}\) are consistent with unity within statistical and systematic uncertainties.