Bose-Einstein condensation and dissipative dynamics in a relativistic pion gas

Abstract

Pion condensation in ultrarelativistic collisions presents a compelling theoretical phenomenon with significant implications for the dynamics of hadronic matter. Various theoretical frameworks offer insight into the nature of high-temperature Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC). The present study investigates the dissipative behavior of a relativistic pion gas undergoing BEC in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. Further, we obtain viscosity (η), bulk viscosity (ζ), and speed of sound (cs) by employing the Boltzmann transport equation with the relaxation time approximation. Findings show a substantial drop in η=s and ζ=s with the fractional increase in condensation. This effect is becoming more evident in larger systems approaching the thermodynamic limit. Alongside the reduction in viscosities, the speed of sound also decreases with increasing condensation, indicating a softening of the equation of state. The analysis of finite-size effects reveals that larger systems exhibit more pronounced signatures of BEC. These results suggest that pion condensation can influence the hydrodynamic evolution of the hadronic phase in heavyion collisions, with consequential implications for interpreting collective flow observables and the underlying equation of state. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.