The ρ spectral function in a relativistic resonance model Original Research Article

We calculate the spectral function View the MathML source of the ρ meson in nuclear matter. The calculation is performed in the low-density approximation, where the in-medium self-energy View the MathML source is completely determined by the vacuum ρN forward scattering amplitude. This amplitude is derived from a relativistic resonance model. In comparison to previous nonrelativistic calculations we find a much weaker momentum dependence of View the MathML source, especially in the transverse channel. Special attention is paid to uncertainties in the model. Thus, we compare the impact of different coupling schemes for the RNρ interaction on the results and discuss various resonance parameter sets.