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

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 $J/ψ(\rightarrowμ^-μ^+)$ measurements which have already been performed with the available data, the cross section for $D^{0}(\rightarrow K^-π^+)$ production is expected to be two-orders of magnitude higher.

6 pages + References+Appendix, matches PRD version. Added references and included 8~TeV predictions in appendix