Searching for the possible tri-critical point in the QCD phase diagram is one of the major scientific tasks in heavy-ion physics.

Elliptic flow of identified particles has been used to study the properties of the strongly interacting Quark-Gluon Plasma.

Directed flow (v1) excitation functions have been proposed as promising observables for uncovering evidence of crossing a first-order phase transition, based on hydrodynamic calculations.

In addition to the above highlights of physics impact of the iTPC upgrade, the upgrade improves the tracking efficiency at low momentum.

The upgrade also significantly enhances STAR’s physics capability at RHIC top energy. The improved dE/dx resolution allows better separation of charged kaons and protons at high momentum.