Squeezed spectra and back-to-back correlations of protons and antiprotons at RHIC energies

TL;DR

This paper investigates proton-antiproton correlations at RHIC energies, linking in-medium mass modifications to observable spectra and back-to-back correlations, and predicts conditions for experimental detection.

Contribution

It introduces a constrained theoretical framework connecting in-medium mass effects with fermion back-to-back correlations in heavy-ion collisions.

Findings

In-medium mass modification affects the proton/antiproton yield ratio.

Source time distribution significantly influences the fBBC signal.

Higher {ar{p}}/p ratios correlate with increased likelihood of detecting fBBC.

Abstract

This study constrains the range of in-medium mass modification through a comparison of theoretical calculations with experimental transverse momentum spectra and the yield ratio {\bar{p}}/p of protons and antiprotons. Based on the constrained range and a Gaussian source model with radial ow, the theoretical predictions for the fermion back-to-back correlation (fBBC) of p{\bar{p}} pairs at RHIC energies are presented. The results reveal a strong sensitivity of the fBBC signal to the assumed source time distribution: a Lorentzian form generates a pronounced high-momentum signal, whereas an {\alpha}-stable L\'evy form leads to a marked low-momentum signal. Moreover, the in-medium mass modification is shown to enhance the yield ratio {\bar{p}}/p. Therefore, events characterized by a larger {\bar{p}}/p ratio are predicted to have a significantly higher probability of exhibiting a detectable fBBC signal. This study may propose a promising new direction for the experimental observation of this phenomenon