“Both frameworks qualitatively capture the observed increase towards central events, consistent with the expectations based on a deformed geometry of neon-20. A quantitative determination of the deformation, however, requires further dedicated studies, since the agreement with data is not uniform across the measured centrality range. None of the three model calculations reproduce the measured v3 ratios quantitatively, highlighting the need for an improved treatment of initial-state fluctuations in small collision systems.”

study authors · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

The researchers discussed model calculations and the need for further studies to determine neon's nuclear deformation.