Lambda collective flow in heavy ion reactions

Abstract

Collective flow of Lambda hyperons in heavy ion reactions at SIS energies is investigated. It is found that a $\Lambda$ mean field constructed on the basis of the quark model leads to a good description of the experimental data of the in-plane transverse flow of $\Lambda$'s. The attractive mean field can also give rise to an additional "virtual" $\Lambda$ radial flow directed inwards, which is reflected by a "concave" structure of the transverse mass spectrum of the $\Lambda$ hyperons emitted at midrapidity. The $\Lambda$ radial flow is found to exhibit a strong mass dependence: The flow is visible in the Ni+Ni system, but is strongly reduced in the system of Au on Au.