Scalar and vector meson propagation in asymmetric nuclear matter

TL;DR

This paper investigates how scalar and vector mesons propagate in asymmetric nuclear matter using the Walecka model, highlighting the importance of meson mixing effects on spectral functions and invariant masses.

Contribution

It provides detailed calculations of meson spectral functions and invariant masses, emphasizing the role of meson mixing in asymmetric nuclear environments.

Findings

Meson mixing significantly affects spectral functions.

Three-peak structure observed in the \sigma channel.

Mixing impacts propagation of scalar and vector mesons.

Abstract

The propagation of the scalar (\sigma and \delta) and vector (\omega and \rho) mesons in an iso-asymmetric nuclear matter is studied in detail, using the Walecka model. We calculate the invariant masses and spectral functions of the mesons, including the effect of meson mixing. At finite density, the mixing effect is quite important in the propagation of the scalar and (longitudinal) vector mesons. In the \sigma channel, we find a three-peak structure in the spectral function, caused by the mixing effect.