VALID QCD SUM-RULES FOR VECTOR-MESONS IN NUCLEAR-MATTER

QCD sum rules for vector mesons (rho, omega, phi) in nuclear matter ar e reexamined with an emphasis on the reliability of various sum rules. Monitoring the continuum contribution and the convergence of the oper ator product expansion plays a crucial role in determining the validit y of a sum rule. The uncertainties arising from less than precise know ledge of the condensate values and other input parameters are analyzed via a Monte Carlo error analysis. Our analysis leaves no doubt that v ector-meson masses decrease with increasing density. This resolves the current debate over the behavior of the vector-meson masses and the s um rules to be used in extracting vector meson properties in nuclear m atter. We find a ratio of rho-meson masses of m(rho)/m(rho)=0.78+/-0. 08 at nuclear matter saturation density.