K+ and K- potentials in hadronic matter are observable quantities

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that comparing $K^+$ and $K^-$ spectra in light heavy ion collisions at around 2 AGeV allows for direct experimental measurement of their nuclear potentials, shedding light on $K^-$ behavior in hadronic matter.

Contribution

It introduces a method to determine $K^+$ and $K^-$ potentials directly from experimental spectra, using IQMD simulations, addressing longstanding questions about $K^-$ in hadronic matter.

Findings

Spectra comparison enables potential measurement.

Little influence from unknown cross sections.

Potential insights into $K^-$ condensate formation.

Abstract

The comparison of $K^+$ and $K^-$ spectra at low transverse momentum in light symmetric heavy ion reactions at energies around 2 AGeV allows for a direct experimental determination of the strength of the $K^+$ as well as of t he $K^-$ nucleus potential. Other little known or unknown input quantities like the production or rescattering cross sections of $K^+$ and $K^-$ mesons do not spoil this signal. This result, obtained by simulations of these reactio ns with the Isospin Quantum Molecular Dynamics (IQMD) model, may solve the longstanding question of the behaviour of the $K^-$ in hadronic matter and especially whether a $K^-$ condensate can be formed in heavy ion collisions.