$\mathbf{{\textbf{K}}^{0}_{\textbf{S}}}-\mathbf{{\textbf{K}}^{0}_{\textbf{S}}}$ femtoscopy in Pb$-$Pb collisions at $\mathbf{\sqrt{\textit{s}_{\rm NN}} = 5.02}$ TeV at the LHC

Abstract

Results from a one-dimensional femtoscopic analysis of ${\rm K}^{0}_{\rm S}-{\rm K}^{0}_{\rm S}$ correlations in Pb$-$Pb collisions at the center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}~=~5.02$ TeV using data collected by the ALICE experiment at the LHC are presented. The source radius $R$ and correlation strength $\lambda$ are studied as a function of centrality and pair-transverse momentum ($k_{\rm T}$) to provide insight into the space-time structure and composition of the particle-emitting source. The observed trends of radii as a function of $k_{\rm T}$ and centrality are consistent with the collective expansion of the system. Comparisons with measurements at $\sqrt{s_{\mathrm{NN}}}~=~2.76$ TeV by the ALICE Collaboration show agreement across multiplicities and $k_{\rm T}$. Hydrokinetic model predictions match the most central collision results but deviate in peripheral events, potentially reflecting limitations in the model's description of peripheral collisions. A comparison with recent measurements at the same energy by the CMS Collaboration shows compatibility in both $R$ and $\lambda$ within 1.3$\sigma$. These results extend previous ${\rm K}^{0}_{\rm{S}}-{\rm K}^{0}_{\rm{S}}$ femtoscopy to a higher energy, providing a consistent baseline for future comparisons.