Lambda collective flow in heavy ion reactions

Abstract

Collective flow of Lambda hyperons in heavy ion reactions at SIS energies is investigated. It is found that a $Λ$ mean field constructed on the basis of the quark model leads to a good description of the experimental data of the in-plane transverse flow of $Λ$'s. The attractive mean field can also give rise to an additional "virtual" $Λ$ radial flow directed inwards, which is reflected by a "concave" structure of the transverse mass spectrum of the $Λ$ hyperons emitted at midrapidity. The $Λ$ radial flow is found to exhibit a strong mass dependence: The flow is visible in the Ni+Ni system, but is strongly reduced in the system of Au on Au.

18 pages LeTex, using Elsevier style, 6 PS-figures, accepted for publication in Nuclear Physics A