Space-time extensions from space-time densities and Bose-Einstein correlations

Abstract

Using a (3+1)-dimensional solution of the relativistic Euler-equations for $Pb+Pb$ at 160 $AGeV$, space-time extensions of kaon emission zones are calculated from space-time densities and compared to the inverse widths of two-kaon Bose-Einstein correlation functions. The comparison shows a satisfactory agreement and it is concluded that because of the Gaussian shape of the kaon correlation functions, the space-time parameters of the kaon source can be calculated directly from space-time densities. In the case of intensity interferometry of identical pions this simplification is not recommended when applying Gaussian fits because of the present strong effects of resonance decays. The whole discussion is based on the assumption that hadron emission in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions is purely chaotic or that coherence is at least negligible.