Speaker
Description
The high-baryon-density region provides a unique opportunity to explore the QCD phase structure and the role of strange quarks in hadronic interactions. Previous correlation measurements of $p$-$\Lambda$ and $p$-$\Xi$ suggest that the strange degree of freedom may weaken hadronic interactions. Experimentally, the directed flow ($v_1$) of $\phi$ mesons in this environment exhibits baryon-like behavior, indicating possible strong coupling between $\phi$ mesons and the baryonic medium. To investigate the unique behavior of $\phi$ mesons and the underlying interaction mechanisms, momentum correlation analysis provides a powerful and sensitive probe.
In this talk, we present measurements of the $p$-$\phi$ correlation functions in Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=3$ GeV by the STAR experiment. The source parameters, scattering length and effective range are extracted using the Lednicky-Lyuboshitz model. By comparing these results with the interaction parameters of other strange hadrons with protons, we aim to clarify the role of the strange degree of freedom in high-baryon-density matter and to investigate whether the anomalous behavior of $\phi$ mesons originates from resonant hadronic states or from rescattering processes.
| Is the talk given on behalf of the Collaboration? | yes |
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| Topic area | Hadronization |