The BEST framework for the search for the QCD critical point and the chiral magnetic effect

Abstract

The Beam Energy Scan Theory (BEST) Collaboration was formed with the goal of\nproviding a theoretical framework for analyzing data from the Beam Energy Scan\n(BES) program at the relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven\nNational Laboratory. The physics goal of the BES program is the search for a\nconjectured QCD critical point as well as for manifestations of the chiral\nmagnetic effect. We describe progress that has been made over the previous five\nyears. This includes studies of the equation of state and equilibrium\nsusceptibilities, the development of suitable initial state models, progress in\nconstructing a hydrodynamic framework that includes fluctuations and anomalous\ntransport effects, as well as the development of freezeout prescriptions and\nhadronic transport models. Finally, we address the challenge of integrating\nthese components into a complete analysis framework. This document describes\nthe collective effort of the BEST Collaboration and its collaborators around\nthe world.\n