Azimuthally-sensitive interferometry and the source lifetime at RHIC

Abstract

Pion interferometry ("HBT") measurements relative to the reaction plane provide an estimate of the transverse source anisotropy at freeze-out, which probes the system dynamics and evolution duration. Measurements by the STAR Collaboration indicate that the source is extended increasingly out-of-plane with increasing impact parameter, suggesting a short evolution duration roughly consistent with estimates based on azimuthally-integrated HBT measurements.

arXiv comment7 pages, 5 figures. Proceedings for the XXXIII International Symposium on Multiparticle Dynamics (ISMD03), Krakow, Poland, Sept 5-11, 2003, to appear in Acta Polonica (style file included)