Growth of Long Range Forward-Backward Multiplicity Correlations with Centrality in Au_s16Au Collisions at $sqrts_NN$ = 200 GeV

Abstract

Forward-backward multiplicity correlation strengths have been measured with the STAR detector for Au_s16Au and $textit{p_s16p}$ collisions at $sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. Strong short and long range correlations (LRC) are seen in central Au_s16Au collisions. The magnitude of these correlations decrease with decreasing centrality until only short range correlations are observed in peripheral Au_s16Au collisions. Both the Dual Parton Model (DPM) and the Color Glass Condensate (CGC) predict the existence of the long range correlations. In the DPM the fluctuation in the number of elementary (parton) inelastic collisions produces the LRC. In the CGC longitudinal color flux tubes generate the LRC. The data is in qualitative agreement with the predictions from the DPM and indicates the presence of multiple parton interactions.