Calculations of three-pion correlations from a final-state rescattering model: comparisons with experiment. Original Research Article

A simple rescattering model is used to predict three-pion correlation functions in CERN SPS-energy S+Pb and Pb+Pb collisions. Gaussian pion source parameters are extracted from these calculations as well as the three-pion phase factor, cosφ. The three-pion phase factor is found to be close to unity for both systems and for all regions of rapidity and transverse momentum investigated. Comparisons are made with recent experimental results from NA44.