Impact of strong electromagnetic field on Z⁰ boson decay in ultra relativistic heavy ion collisions

Ultra relativistic heavy ion collisions are known to create a state of hot QCD matter known as the Quark Gluon Plasma, which is known to be the worlds most perfect fluid due to its incredibly small viscosity. Collisions of this nature are also predicted to generate a massive electromagnetic field. A direct measurement of the strength and lifetime of the electromagnetic field would allow for a better probe of the dynamics of heavy quarks and an increased understanding of the interactions that occur in hot QCD matter in these types of collisions. Our team is investigating the possibility of utilizing measurements of the mass shift in Z⁰ boson decay using CMS data as a way of measuring the strength and time evolution of the electromagnetic field in heavy ion collisions. We developed Monte Carlo simulations used to study the effects of varying electromagnetic fields on Z⁰ boson decay into μ⁺μ^- pairs and the relationship between the invariant mass of the Z⁰ boson and the pseudorapidity of the muons. We report our findings of a correlation between the strength of the field and the shift of the invariant mass of the Z⁰ boson in addition to the impact of other variables on the change in mean mass and width of the Z⁰ boson invariant mass distribution.