Probing u-bar/d-bar Asymmetry in the Proton via W and Z Production

Abstract

The sensitivity of $W$ and $Z$ production at RHIC to the possible $\bar u/\bar d$ asymmetry in the proton is studied. The ratios of the $W^+$ over $W^-$ production cross sections in $p + p$ collision, as well as the ratios of the $W^+$ and $Z$ production cross sections for $p + p$ over $p + d$ collisions, are shown to be sensitive to this asymmetry. Predictions of various theoretical models for these ratios are presented.