Modeling [Formula Presented] production and absorption in a microscopic nonequilibrium approach

Charmonium production and absorption in heavy ion collisions is studied with the ultrarelativisitic quantum molecular dynamics model. We compare the scenario of universal and time-independent color-octet dissociation cross sections with one of distinct color-singlet [Formula Presented], and [Formula Presented] states, evolving from small, color transparent configurations to their asymptotic sizes. Both purely hadronic scenarios are compared with the [Formula Presented] and [Formula Presented] data at SPS energies. The predicted rapidity dependence of [Formula Presented] suppression can be used to discriminate between the two scenarios experimentally. The importance of interactions with secondary hadrons and the applicability of thermal reaction kinetics to [Formula Presented] absorption are investigated. We discuss the effect of nuclear stopping and the role of leading hadrons. The dependence of the [Formula Presented] ratio on the model assumptions and the possible influence of refeeding processes are also studied. © 1999 The American Physical Society.

Duke Scholars

Author Steffen A. Bass Physics