$\pi^+ - \pi^-$ Asymmetry and the Neutron Skin in Heavy Nuclei

Abstract

In heavy nuclei the spatial distribution of protons and neutrons is different. At CERN SPS energies production of $\pi^+$ and $\pi^-$ differs for $pp$, $pn$, $np$ and $nn$ scattering. These two facts lead to an impact parameter dependence of the $\pi^+$ to $\pi^-$ ratio in $^{208}Pb + ^{208}Pb$ collisions. A recent experiment at CERN seems to confirm qualitatively these predictions. It may open a possibility for determination of neutron density distribution in nuclei.