Forward $D$ predictions for $p\rm Pb$ collisions, and sensitivity to cold nuclear matter effects

TL;DR

This paper provides predictions for $D^0$ production cross sections and forward-backward ratios in $p$Pb collisions at 5.02 TeV, highlighting the impact of nuclear effects and their partial cancellation in the observable ratios.

Contribution

It offers the first detailed predictions of $D^0$ production and nuclear correction effects in forward $p$Pb collisions at LHC energies, including the sensitivity to nuclear PDFs.

Findings

Nuclear corrections cause a 10-30% variation in cross section ratios.

The forward-backward ratio remains approximately flat with respect to $p_T(D^0)$ due to compensating effects.

Predicted $D^0$ production cross sections are two orders of magnitude higher than $J/\psi$ measurements.

Abstract

Predictions are provided for double differential cross sections and forward-backward ratios of $D^{0}$ production in $p\rm Pb$ (forward) and $\rm{Pb}$$p$ (backward) collisions at 5.02~TeV. The effect of nuclear corrections on the ratio of differential cross sections ratios is estimated to be $\simeq$ (10-30)\% in the kinematically accessible region of LHCb, and interestingly this ratio is approximately flat with respect to $p_T(D^0)$ due to a compensation of shadowing and anti-shadowing effects arising from the input nuclear PDFs. In comparison to $J/\psi(\rightarrow\mu^-\mu^+)$ measurements which have already been performed with the available data, the cross section for $D^{0}(\rightarrow K^-\pi^+)$ production is expected to be two-orders of magnitude higher.