Photon Intensity Interferometry for Expanding Sources

Abstract

Using Quantum Field Theory we derive a general formula for the double inclusive spectra of photons radiated by a system in local equilibrium. The derived expression differs significantly from the one mostly used up to now in photon intensity interferometry of heavy--ion collisions. We present a covariant expression for double inclusive spectra adapted for usage in numerical simulations. Application to a schematic model with a Bj\o rken type expansion gives strong evidence for the need of reinvestigating photon--photon correlations for expanding sources.