Abstract
Semi-inclusive triple differential multiplicity distributions of positively charged kaons have been measured over a wide range in rapidity and transverse mass for central collisions of 58Ni with 58Ni nuclei. The transverse mass (mt) spectra have been studied as a function of rapidity at a beam energy 1.93 A GeV. The mt distributions of K+ mesons are well described by a single Boltzmann-type function. The spectral slopes are similar to that of the protons indicating that rescattering plays a significant role in the propagation of the kaon. Multiplicity densities have been obtained as a function of rapidity by extrapolating the Boltzmann-type fits to the measured distributions over the remaining phase space. The total K+ meson yield has been determined at beam energies of 1.06, 1.45, and 1.93 A GeV, and is presented in comparison to existing data. The low total yield indicates that the K+ meson can not be explained within a hadro-chemical equilibrium scenario, therefore indicating that the yield does remain sensitive to effects related to its production processes such as the equation of state of nuclear matter and/or modifications to the K+ dispersion relation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 307-324 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Nuclear Physics A |
Volume | 625 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1997 Oct 27 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Kaon
- Radial flow
- Thermal model
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics