This page gives the current status of the 2019 blind analysis of isobar data, as outlined in the Analysis Blinding Committee recommendation adopted by STAR.

Step-1: Mixed-species Reference

Estimated Completion Date: October 13, 2019 (based on CME-focus meeting discussion, September 30)

From the recommendation:

• Analysis code and time-dependent Q/A will be tuned on this reference sample, committed to the analysis code repository, and kept unchanged at this stage. Among other aspects, this step will enable extraction of time-dependent spectra for Q/A, detection of time-dependent anomalies, detection of secondary decays, and measurement of peak widths relevant to momentum resolution. The step will also enable detection of beam backgrounds, provided they are strictly time-dependent over periods greater than the time between switching species.
• After the step-1 data are available, blind-data analysts will estimate a timeline for completing the necessary analyses for partial un-blinding and advancing to step-2. Based on this input from the analysts, management will approve a date for partial un-blinding. Analysts will present regular updates to document progress. Regardless of progress, un-blinding will occur no earlier than the original estimate unless all blind analyses are deemed ready to proceed by STAR Management. Based upon the progress reports, un-blinding may be delayed to ensure the quality of the final results.
• Prior to the first un-blinding step, analysts will prepare a detailed note documenting the procedures, cuts, corrections, systematic uncertainties, and criteria for any future run-by-run cuts and corrections
• Prior to each un-blinding step, analysts will provide analysis code for vetting and Q/A by the GPC in addition to the standard vetting within the physics working groups.
• When the GPC is satisfied that an analysis is ready for un-blinding, analysts will present the status of their analyses to the physics working group conveners and the physics analysis coordinator. As the un-blinding date approaches, analysts discuss with STAR management any need for delays to un-blinding to ensure the quality of results. If an unresolved disagreement exists between analysts, the decision to un-blind or extend the date will lie with STAR management.

Initial Steps: Mock Data Challenge

Completed, March 21, 2019

Links to studies (also available at the CME Focus page)

• Step-1 Mock Data ("mixed" blind data)
  • BNL/Fudan group
  • Purdue group
• Step-2 Mock Data (“unmixed” blind data)
  • BNL/Fudan group
  • BNL/Fudan group
• Fully unblind Mock Data
  • BNL/Fudan group