Heavy quarkonium production in a strong magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper studies how strong magnetic fields generated in noncentral heavy-ion collisions affect the properties and production rates of heavy quarkonium states like $J/a$ and $$ by analyzing changes in meson energy levels, masses, and production mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces an analysis of magnetic field effects on heavy mesons and quarkonium production using the Color Evaporation Model, highlighting new insights into their behavior under extreme conditions.

Findings

Magnetic fields alter the energy levels and masses of $B$ and $D$ mesons.

Potential modifications in $J/a$ and $$ production rates due to magnetic effects.

Quantitative estimates of magnetic field strengths at RHIC and LHC.

Abstract

It is well known that in noncentral heavy-ion collisions a transient strong magnetic field is generated in the direction perpendicular to the reaction plane. The maximal strength of this field is estimated to be $eB \sim m^2_{\pi} \sim 0.02 \text{GeV}^2$ at the RHIC and $eB \sim 15 m^2_{\pi} \sim 0.3 \text{GeV}^2$ at the LHC. We investigate the effects of a strong magnetic field on $B$ and $D$ mesons, focusing on the changes of the energy levels and the masses of the bound states. Using the Color Evaporation Model we discuss the possible changes in the production of $J/\psi$ and $\Upsilon$.