Energy Dependence of String Fragmentation Function and φ Meson Production

Energy Dependence of String Fragmentation Function and φ Meson Production

The φ meson productions in Au+Au and/or Pb+Pb collisions at AGS, SPS,RHIC, and LHC energies have been studied systematically with a hadron andstring cascade model LUCIAE. After considering the energy dependence of themodel parameter α in string fragmentation function and adjusting itto the experimental data of charged multiplicity to a certain extent,the model predictions for φ meson yield, rapidity, andtransverse mass distributions are compatible with the experimental data atAGS, SPS and RHIC energies. A calculation for Pb+Pb collisions at LHC energyis given as well. The obtained fractional variable in string fragmentationfunction shows a saturation in energy dependence. It is discussed that thesaturation of fractional variable in string fragmentation function might be aqualitative representation of the energy dependence of nuclear transparency.