Using coherent dipion photoproduction to image gold nuclei

Abstract

Vector meson photoproduction offers the opportunity to image target nuclei. The two-dimensional Fourier transform $d\sigma_{\rm coherent}/dt$ of coherent vector meson photoproduction gives the two-dimensional distribution of interaction sites in the target. Since vector meson photoproduction occurs, at lowest order, via two-gluon exchange, this is sensitive to gluon shadowing. We present an analysis of $\pi^+\pi^-$ photoproduction using data from the STAR detector and a study of $d\sigma_{\rm coherent}/dt$, with an emphasis on probing the nuclear shape and its systematic uncertainties.