Geometric model for multiplicity distribution in nucleus–nucleus scattering

Abstract

The distribution in the multiplicity of charged particles produced in 0 + Cu and 0 + Au collisions is explained quantitatively in terms of the independent action of several tubes of nuclear matter, with each tube obeying universal Koba–Nielsen–Olsen scaling. With only one parameter, this model fits the observed distribution extremely well and reproduces the reduced second moments for collisions of several different nuclei pairs. Predictions for S + S and Pb + Pb collisions are presented.