sPHENIX measurements of heavy flavor production in p+p collisions
Abstract
{sPHENIX is the first new collider detector experiment dedicated to heavy-ion physics since the LHC began collecting data. Successfully commissioned in 2023–2024, one of its standout features is a streaming-capable tracking system that enables the collection of large, unbiased p+p datasets—previously unattainable at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Leveraging this capability, sPHENIX recorded over 100 billion unbiased $p$+$p$ collisions at 200 GeV during Run 24. This unprecedented dataset unlocks a high-precision open heavy flavor physics program with extended low-$p_T$ reach, spanning both charm and beauty sectors. These proceedings present the progress in the analysis of open heavy flavor in the $p$+$p$ dataset. From one hour of data and early-stage calibrations, we see observations of $D^0$ mesons and evidence of $\Lambda_c^+$ in $p$+$p$ collisions for the first time at RHIC. These resonances will allow for novel physics measurements to be performed for the first time at RHIC.
Fields of Study & Subjects
High-Energy Particle Collisions Research
Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
Quantum Chromodynamics and Particle Interactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- European Physical Society Conference on High Energy Physics (EPS-HEP)
- Pages
- 220–220
- Publication date
- 12 January 2026
- Language
- EN