High transverse momentum identified particle spectra in 200 GeV collisions from STAR

Significant baryon over meson enhancement was measured at RHIC in the intermediate transverse momentum range of pT = 2−4 GeV/c (”baryonmeson puzzle”). With STAR detector we were able to extend particle identification towards higher transverse momentum offering further insights into the particle production mechanisms at intermediate to high pT . In this paper we present results on charged pion, proton and anti-proton spectra and ratios at intermediate to high pT exploiting the relativistic rise of the specific ionization energy loss measured in the STAR Time Projection Chamber. These measurements provide valuable information about the production mechanisms of particles at intermediate pT in relativistic heavy ion collisions, e.g. coalescence/recombination versus jet fragmentation.