Production of $η_b$ in ultra-peripheral $Pb Pb$ collisions

C. N. Azevedo, F. C. Sobrinho, F. S. Navarra

Published 2024-12-24Version 1

Very recently, the two-photon decay width of the $\eta_b$ meson was computed with lattice QCD methods. This decay has not yet been measured. The knowledge of this width allows for the calculation of the $\eta_b$ production cross section through photon-photon interactions in ultra-peripheral $PbPb$ collisions. In this work we present this calculation, which is the first application of the lattice result. Since UPCs are gaining an increasing attention of the heavy ion community, we take the opportunity to perform a comprehensive study of the different ways of defining ultra-peripheral collisions and of the different ways to treat the equivalent photon flux.