Source breakup dynamics in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt(sNN)=200 GeV via three-dimensional two-pion source imaging
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) correlation function obtained from mid-rapidity, low pT pion pairs in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt(sNN)=200 GeV is studied. The extracted model-independent source function indicates a long range tail in the directions of the pion pair transverse momentum (out) and the beam (long). Model comparisons to these distensions indicate a proper breakup time τ0 ~ 9 fm/c and a mean proper emission duration τ ~ 2 fm/c, leading to sizable emission time differences (<| τLCM |> ~ 12 fm/c), partly due to resonance decays. They also suggest an outside-in "burning" of the emission source reminiscent of many hydrodynamical models.
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