Finite-size effects on the radiative energy loss of a fast parton in hot and dense strongly interacting matter

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the finite size of a hot, dense medium affects the radiative energy loss of fast-moving partons, extending existing models to include interference effects and enabling precise numerical analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a reformulation of the finite-size radiative energy loss problem that allows for exact numerical solutions and incorporates interference effects between vacuum and medium radiation.

Findings

Finite-size effects significantly influence parton energy loss.

The new approach extends the AMY finite-temperature framework.

Results align with leading-order opacity and LPM regimes.

Abstract

We consider finite-size effects on the radiative energy loss of a fast parton moving in a finite temperature strongly interacting medium, using the light cone path integral formalism put forward by Zakharov. We present a convenient reformulation of the problem which makes possible its exact numerical analysis. This is done by introducing the concept of a radiation rate in the presence of finite-size effects. This effectively extends the finite-temperature approach of AMY (Arnold, Moore, and Yaffe) to include interference between vacuum and medium radiation. We compare results with those obtained in the regime considered by AMY, with those obtained at leading order in an opacity expansion, and with those obtained deep in the LPM (Landau-Pomeranchuk-Migdal) regime.