Multifragment azimuthal correlation functions: Probes for reaction dynamics in collisions of intermediate energy heavy ions

Abstract

Multifragment azimuthal correlation functions have been measured as a function of beam energy and impact parameter for the Ar+Sc system (E/A=35 to 115 MeV). The observed azimuthal correlation functions---which do not require corrections for dispersion of the reaction plane---exhibit strong asymmetries which are dependent on impact parameter and beam energy. Rotational collective motion and flow seem to dominate the correlation functions at low beam energies. It is proposed that multifragment azimuthal correlation functions can provide a useful probe for intermediate energy heavy ion reaction dynamics.