On the accuracy of using Fokker Planck equation in heavy ion collision

Abstract

Application of Fokker-Planck equation to heavy quark transport in the evolving medium created in heavy ion collision is critically scrutinised. We realise that the approach introduces a moderate uncertainty in drag and diffusion coefficients culminating in huge ambiguity in the theoretical prediction of nuclear modification factor $R_{AA}$. Quantitative estimation of the error is presented by considering recent developments in this field.