Probing the three-dimensional emission source and neutron skin via π − π correlations in heavy-ion collisions
Abstract
The Richardson-Lucy algorithm is applied to reconstruct the three-dimensional source function of identical pions from their two-particle correlation functions. The algorithm's performance is first evaluated through simulations with Gaussian-type initial source functions. Its imaging quality and robustness are further demonstrated with experimental data from Au+Au collisions at 1.23 A GeV, collected by the HADES Collaboration. Additionally, using UrQMD simulations of Pb+Pb collisions at 1.5 A GeV, we show that the deblurred source functions exhibit sensitivity to the initial neutron skin thickness of the colliding nuclei. This highlights the potential of the Richardson-Lucy algorithm as a tool for probing the neutron density distribution in heavy nuclei.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Nuclear physics research studies
High-Energy Particle Collisions Research
Nuclear reactor physics and engineering
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review C
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 113
- Issue
- 3
- Publication date
- 6 February 2026
- Language
- EN