Effect of resonance decays on extracted kinetic freeze-out parameters in heavy ion collisions at RHIC

Statistical model fit to particle ratios in Au+Au collisions at RHIC suggests chemical freeze-out near phase transition boundary. Model interpretations of evolution from chemical to kinetic freeze-out vary. Results of the blast-wave fit to the STAR experimental data, where resonance contributions are not accounted for, suggest significant cooling and expansion between the freezeouts for central Au+Au collisions. Other models including resonances, argue for instant single freezeout with temperature close to the phase transition temperature. By combined thermal and blast-wave model parametrization including resonances, we systematically investigate the effect of resonance decays on the extracted kinetic freeze-out parameters. (authors)