Forward-backward multiplicity correlations in √sNN=200 GeVAu+Au collisions

Forward-backward correlations of charged-particle multiplicities in symmetric bins in pseudorapidity are studied to gain insight into the underlying correlation structure of particle production in Au+Au collisions. The PHOBOS detector is used to measure integrated multiplicities in bins centered at eta, defined within vertical bar eta vertical bar < 3, and covering intervals Delta eta. The variance sigma(2)(C) of a suitably defined forward-backward asymmetry variable C is calculated as a function of eta,Delta eta, and centrality. It is found to be sensitive to short-range correlations, and the concept of clustering is used to interpret comparisons to phenomenological models.