LHC Experiments Report Evidence of Quark-gluon Plasma in Oxygen and Neon Collisions

Detailed analyses following last year's initial oxygen runs indicate the primordial state of matter likely formed in both oxygen-oxygen and neon-neon collisions. QGP forms at temperatures 100,000 times hotter than the Sun's core, where quarks and gluons break free from protons and neutrons. Scientists had long believed only heavy nuclei could generate the necessary energy density, but recent data weakens that view.

Key evidence includes parton energy loss, where high-energy quarks and gluons lose more energy than expected after collisions, indicating passage through a dense medium. ATLAS observed energy imbalances in particle jets, especially in central collisions. CMS found fewer high-energy particles in oxygen and neon runs compared to proton collisions.

LH Cb noted stronger suppression of charm-containing particles in neon versus oxygen collisions, consistent with a larger plasma. ALICE compared oxygen-oxygen and proton-oxygen collisions to rule out other causes.