Angular decay coefficients of J /ψ mesons at forward rapidity from p+p collisions at s =510 GeV

Abstract

We report the first measurement of the full angular distribution for inclusive J/ψ→μ+μ- decays in p+p collisions at s=510 GeV. The measurements are made for J/ψ transverse momentum 2<pT<10 GeV/c and rapidity 1.2<y<2.2 in the Helicity, Collins-Soper, and Gottfried-Jackson reference frames. In all frames the polar coefficient λθ is strongly negative at low pT and becomes close to zero at high pT, while the azimuthal coefficient λφ is close to zero at low pT, and becomes slightly negative at higher pT. The frame-independent coefficient λ is strongly negative at all pT in all frames. The data are compared to the theoretical predictions provided by nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics models. © 2017 American Physical Society.