High |t| diffractive vector meson production at the EIC

We investigate the prospects of the diffractive production of J/psi mesons at a large momentum transfer vertical bar t vertical bar at the future Electron Ion Collider (EIC) in electron-proton collisions. In particular, we focus on the measurements of the rapidity gap size. The model used for the calculations is based on the diffractive exchange of the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov perturbative Pomeron. Calculations for the cross section and the estimates for the rates assuming integrated luminosity of 10 fb(-1) are provided. Two experimental strategies were considered. First, measuring the rapidity gap size directly, by observing the activity in the forward part of the central detector, and second by putting a lower limit on the rapidity gap size in the case when the detector cannot measure forward activity. We find that it is possible to measure at the EIC the dependence of the cross section on rapidity gap interval up to four units in rapidity. This should allow us to measure the change of the cross section by a factor of 1.6 expected due to the BFKL exchange. This is possible with the present setup of the detector which projects the coverage up to 3.5 units of rapidity. We conclude however, that the extension of the detector up to higher rapidity, for example to 4.5 would be desirable and provide even better lever arm for testing rapidity gap physics at the EIC.

Automated summary

This study investigates the diffractive production of J/psi mesons at the future EIC in electron-proton collisions, focusing on the measurement of rapidity gap size. Calculations are based on the BFKL perturbative Pomeron exchange model, and two experimental strategies are proposed for measuring rapidity gap size. It is found that the current detector setup at the EIC allows for measuring the cross section dependence on rapidity gap interval, but extending the detector coverage to higher rapidity would be desirable for better testing of rapidity gap physics.