Absorption of the $\omega$ and $\phi$ Mesons in Nuclei

TL;DR

This study investigates how $ ho$ and $ ho$ mesons are absorbed in nuclei by measuring nuclear transparency ratios, revealing larger in-medium widths than previously observed in other channels.

Contribution

First measurement of nuclear transparency ratios for $ ho$ mesons in the $e^{+}e^{-}$ channel, providing new insights into in-medium meson properties.

Findings

Larger in-medium widths for $ ho$ mesons than previous reports.

First measurement of transparency ratios in the $e^{+}e^{-}$ decay channel.

Results suggest significant in-medium modifications of meson properties.

Abstract

Due to their long lifetimes, the $\omega$ and $\phi$ mesons are the ideal candidates for the study of possible modifications of the in-medium meson-nucleon interaction through their absorption inside the nucleus. During the E01-112 experiment at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, the mesons were photoproduced from $^{2}$H, C, Ti, Fe, and Pb targets. This paper reports the first measurement of the ratio of nuclear transparencies for the $e^{+}e^{-}$ channel. The ratios indicate larger in-medium widths compared with what have been reported in other reaction channels.