Quantum mechanical aspects of coherent photoproduction: the limits of coherence, and multiple vector mesons

Quantum mechanics is central to coherent photoproduction in ultra-peripheral collisions (UPCs). This writeup will discuss some surprising aspects of UPCs that stem from these quantum mechanical roots. The Good-Walker (GW) paradigm, which connects coherent photoproduction with the target nucleus remaining in its ground state. This contrasts with a semi-classical picture, where coherence depends on the positions of the individual nucleons and the momentum transfer. Unlike the GW approach, the semiclassical picture is consistent with the observed data on coherent photoproduction with nuclear breakup, and with coherent photoproduction in peripheral collisions. The semiclassical approach allows for a wider variety of coherent UPC reactions, such as coherent photoproduction of charged mesons, including some non-quark-antiquark exotica. Quantum mechanics is also key to the coherent photoproduction of multiple vector mesons by the interactions of a single ion pair. The vector mesons share a common impact parameter, and so can exhibit richer interference patterns than single mesons. At forward rapidities, the cross sections to produce multiple identical vector mesons are enhanced due to superradiance. With enough statistics, multi-meson events may provide an opportunity to observe stimulated decays.