Anisotropy as a signature of transverse collective flow

Abstract

We show that anisotropies in transverse-momentum distributions provide an unambiguous signature of transverse collective flow in ultrarelativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions. We define a measure of the anisotropy from experimental observables. The anisotropy coming from collective effects is estimated quantitatively using a hydrodynamical model, and compared to the anisotropy originating from finite multiplicity fluctuations. We conclude that collective behavior could be seen in Pb-Pb collisions if a few hundred particle momenta were measured in a central event.