Resonance Production in RHIC Collisions

TL;DR

This paper investigates resonance particle production at RHIC in heavy ion and smaller collision systems to understand medium effects on resonance yields, spectra, and flow, highlighting modifications due to medium interactions.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of resonance production in different collision systems to explore the properties of the hot, dense medium created in heavy ion collisions.

Findings

Resonance yields and spectra are modified in heavy ion collisions.

Medium interactions affect the nuclear modification factor R_AA.

Late resonance regeneration influences elliptic flow v2.

Abstract

Results of resonance particle production measured at RHIC in $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = $ 200 GeV Au+Au collisions are compared to measurements in p+p and d+Au collisions in order to verify the existence of an extended hardronically interacting medium. Yield and momentum distributions of resonances maybe modified during the fireball lifetime due to resonance decay and the subsequent rescattering of their decay daughters as well as the regeneration of resonances from their decay products. Modified momentum spectra in heavy ion collisions may change the nuclear modification factor R$_{\rm AA}$. The influence on the elliptic flow v$_{2}$ due to late regeneration of resonances is discussed.