The Transverse Momentum Dependence of Anomalous $J/ψ$ Suppression

Abstract

In proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions up to central $S-U$ interactions, the $P_T$-dependence of $J/ψ$ production is determined by initial state parton scattering and pre-resonance nuclear absorption (``normal&#34; $J/ψ$ suppression). The ``anomalous&#34; $J/ψ$ suppression in $Pb-Pb$ collisions must reduce the normal $P_T$ broadening, since it occurs mainly in the central part of the interaction region, where also initial state parton scattering and nuclear absorption are strongest. We thus expect for $< P_T^2 >$ in $Pb-Pb$ collisions a turn-over and decrease with increasing $E_T$.