Nuclear in-medium effects on $$\eta $$ η dynamics in proton–nucleus collisions

Abstract

The dynamics of $\eta$ meson produced in proton-induced nuclear reactions via the decay of N$^{\ast}(1535)$ has been investigated within the Lanzhou quantum molecular dynamics transport model (LQMD). The in-medium modifications of the $\eta$ production in dense nuclear matter are included in the model, in which an attractive $\eta$-nucleon potential is implemented. The impact of the $\eta$ optical potential on the $\eta$ dynamics is investigated. It is found that the attractive potential leads to the reduction of high-momentum (kinetic energy) production from the spectra of momentum distributions and inclusive cross sections and increasing the reabsorption process by surrounding nucleons.