Non-identical particle correlation analysis as a probe of transverse flow

Abstract

Non-identical two particle correlation functions probe asymmetries between the average space-time emission points of different particle species. The system collective expansion would produce such asymmetry because massive particles, such as protons, are on average more pushed towards the edge of the system, than lighter ones, i.e. pions. Measuring pion-kaon, pion-proton and kaon-proton correlation functions, using the STAR detector, we show that the data are consistent with the effect of transverse flow in Au-Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 130$ GeV.