Initial transverse-momentum broadening of Breit-Wheeler process in relativistic heavy-ion collisions
Wangmei Zha🇨🇳 · James Daniel Brandenburg🇨🇳 · Zebo Tang🇨🇳 · Zhangbu Xu🇨🇳
We calculate the cross section and transverse-momentum () distribution of the Breit-Wheeler process in relativistic heavy-ion collisions and their dependence on collision impact parameter (). To accomplish this, the Equivalent Photon Approximation (EPA) was generalized in a more differential way compared to the approach traditionally used for inclusive collisions. In addition, a lowest-order QED calculation with straightline assumption was performed as a standard baseline for comparison. The cross section as a function of is consistent with previous calculations using the equivalent one-photon distribution function. Most importantly, the shape from this model is strongly dependent on impact parameter and can quantitatively explain the broadening observed recently by RHIC and LHC experiments. This broadening effect from the initial QED field strength should be considered in studying possible trapped magnetic field and multiple scattering in a Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP). The impact-parameter sensitive observable also provides a controllable tool for studying extreme electromagnetic fields.