We propose new cross section ratios in ultra-peripheral A$+$A and $p+$A collisions (UPCs) as a potential experimental signal of saturation physics. We consider the ratio $R_1$ of elastic vector meson photoproduction cross section to the inclusive hadron or jet photoproduction cross section. The ratio can be measured in the $\gamma +$A and $\gamma + p$ collisions taking place in the UPCs. We label the ratios $R_1 ({ \rm A})$ and $R_1 (p)$, respectively. Constructing the double ratio $R_{ \rm{ UPC}} ({ \rm A}) = R_1 ({ \rm A})/R_1 (p)$, and performing a small-$x$ calculation both in the quasi-classical approximation and by including small-$x$ evolution, we observe that $R_{ \rm{ UPC}} ({ \rm A})$ exhibits a markedly different dependence on the nuclear atomic number inside and outside the saturation region. This result indicates that $R_{ \rm{ UPC}} ({ \rm A})$ and $R_1 ({ \rm A})$ measurements in UPCs may help in the experimental searches for the evidence of saturation physics.
Categories: hep-ph hep-ex nucl-ex nucl-th