$\Psi(2s)$ production in $p+A$ collisions

Abstract

We have analyzed the data on $\psi'$ production in proton-nucleus ($p+A$) collisions, available from the NA50 Collaboration in the SPS energy domain. The investigated data sets include the absolute production cross sections as well as $\psi'$-to-Drell Yan (DY) cross section ratios. An adapted version of two component QVZ model has been employed to calculate $\psi'$ production cross sections. For both $\psi'$ and DY production, nuclear modifications to the free nucleon structure functions are taken into account. For $\psi'$, final state interaction of the produced $c\bar{c}$ pairs with the nuclear medium is also taken into account, in accordance with the previously analyzed $J/\psi$ data. A satisfactory description of the data in $p+A$ collisions is obtained. Model calculations are extrapolated to low energy regime to predict the $\psi'$ suppression in proton induced collisions at near threshold energies.