We calculate the cross sections for reactions of the $J/\psi$ with light mesons. We also evaluate its finite temperature spectral function. We investigate separately the role of elastic and inelastic channels and we compare their respective importance. We describe $J/\psi$ absorption channels that have not been considered previously to our knowledge. The relevance of our study to heavy ion collisions is discussed.

• Received 5 October 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.63.065201