Single- and double-scattering production of four muons in ultraperipheral PbPb collisions at the Large Hadron Collider

TL;DR

This paper investigates the production of four muons in ultraperipheral PbPb collisions at the LHC, considering double-scattering and direct gamma-gamma processes, providing predictions for cross sections and distributions.

Contribution

It introduces the first calculation of direct gamma-gamma production of four muons in ultraperipheral heavy ion collisions, expanding understanding of multi-muon production mechanisms.

Findings

Predicted measurable nuclear cross sections for four-muon production.

Provided differential distributions and counting rates for experimental comparison.

First exploration of the gamma gamma -> 4 muons process in this context.

Abstract

We discuss production of two $\mu^+\mu^-$ pairs in ultraperipheral ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions at the LHC. We take into account electromagnetic (two-photon) double-scattering production and for a first time direct $\gamma\gamma$ production of four muons in one scattering. We study the unexplored process $\gamma \gamma \to \mu^+\mu^-\mu^+\mu^-$. We present predictions for total and differential cross sections. Measurable nuclear cross sections are obtained and corresponding differential distributions and counting rates are presented.