Detailed measurement of the e(+)e(-) pair continuum in p plus p and Au plus Au collisions at root s(NN)=200 GeV and implications for direct photon production
2010
Abstract
PHENIX has measured the e+e- pair continuum in √sNN=200 GeV Au+Au and p+p collisions over a wide range of mass and transverse momenta. The e+e- yield is compared to the expectations from hadronic sources, based on PHENIX measurements.
In the intermediate-mass region, between the masses of the ϕ and the J/ψ meson, the yield is consistent with expectations from correlated cc̄ production, although other mechanisms are not ruled out. In the low-mass region, below the ϕ, the p+p inclusive mass spectrum is well described by known contributions from light meson decays.
The results of the data analysis are presented and discussed.