Probing meson spectral functions with double differential dilepton spectra in heavy-ion collisions

Abstract

The double differential dilepton spectrum $dN/ (dM_\perp^2 dM^2)$ at fixed transverse mass $M_\perp$ allows a direct access to the vector meson spectral functions. Within a fireball model the sensitivity of $dN/ (dM_\perp^2 dM^2)$ against variations of both the in-medium properties of mesons and the dynamics of the fireball is investigated. In contrast to the integrated invariant-mass spectrum $dN/dM^2$, in the spectrum $dN/dM^2 dM_\perp^2$ with fixed $M_\perp$ the $ω$ signal is clearly seen as bump riding on the $ρ$ background even in case of strong in-medium modifications.

11 pages with figs. (style changed to RevTeX)