Centrality and transverse momentum dependence of inclusive J/ψ production at midrapidity in Pb–Pb collisions at ^√s_NN = 5.02 TeV

The inclusive J/ψ meson production in Pb–Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon–nucleon collision of ^√sNN = 5.02 TeV at midrapidity (|y| < 0.9) is reported by the ALICE Collaboration. The measurements are performed in the dielectron decay channel, as a function of event centrality and J/ψ transverse momentum pT, down to pT = 0 GeV/c. The J/ψ mean transverse momentum hp_Ti and r_AA ratio, defined as hp²_Ti_PbPb/hp²_Ti_pp, are evaluated. Both observables show a centrality dependence decreasing towards central (head-on) collisions. The J/ψ nuclear modification factor R_AA exhibits a strong p_T dependence with a large suppression at high p_T and an increase to unity for decreasing pT. When integrating over the measured momentum range p_T < 10 GeV/c, the J/ψ R_AA shows a weak centrality dependence. Each measurement is compared with results at lower center-of-mass energies and with ALICE measurements at forward rapidity, as well as to theory calculations. All reported features of the J/ψ production at low p_T are consistent with a dominant contribution to the J/ψ yield originating from charm quark (re)combination.