Speaker
Description
Systematic comparisons between experimental measurements and theoretical models are essential for validating and improving event generators, as well as stringent tests of the underlying physics and its implementation. The RIVET framework enables these studies through standardized and reproducible analysis routines that are directly aligned with published experimental results. We present a comprehensive comparison of PHENIX measurements of transverse energy production ($dE_T/d\eta$), charged-particle multiplicity ($dN/d\eta$), and invariant yields ($dN/dp_T$) at midrapidity with simulations from PYTHIA 8, AMPT, HIJING, and SMASH. The study spans both small collision systems ($d+Au$, $^3He+Au$) and large systems ($Cu+Cu$, $Cu+Au$, $Au+Au$, and $U+U$) at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} \sim 200$ GeV, as well as $Au+Au$ collisions over a broad range of beam energies ($\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 7.7--200$ GeV). We present progress towards an analysis framework incorporating Rivet output and integrating established tools to enable reproducible, precision calibration of theoretical models in order to ease these comparisons. These comparisons provide training data for Gaussian process emulators built with SURMISE (from the BAND framework), enabling rapid interpolation across the full parameter space. The emulators are then incorporated into Bayesian calibration workflows using the Bilby inference library, facilitating robust parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification. We demonstrate the framework's capabilities using PYTHIA 8 for proton-proton collisions, validating both functionality and computational performance. The modular design enables straightforward extension to heavy-ion collision models, additional observables, and alternative theoretical frameworks. This work establishes a flexible foundation for systematic Bayesian studies, with future applications targeting precision extraction of heavy-ion collision properties and the fundamental characteristics of nuclear matter under extreme conditions.
