Hadron Formation Time and Dilepton Mass Spectra in Heavy Ion Collisions
arXiv:nucl-th/9705051 · doi:10.1016/S0370-2693(97)01019-8
Abstract
We point out that formation time of pions produced in heavy ion collisions modifies the mass spectrum of dileptons produced via pipi -> ee annihilation. Increasing formation time enhances the production of dileptons with lower masses. The effect offers an explanation of a part of the enhanced production of dileptons below the rho-meson mass as observed by the CERES and HELIOS Collaborations at the CERN SPS.
10 pages, Revtex, 2 figures