Eur Phys J C (2004) 33: s107-s113
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjcd/s2004-03-1665-y

PLT - Plenary Talks

Relativistic heavy ion physics: An experimental review

Physics Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973,  

Received: 9 January 2004
Accepted: 26 January 2004
Published online: 25 February 2004

Abstract

A review of relativistic heavy ion physics is given, with emphasis on selected interesting results. The charged particle multiplicity is compared from measurements at the AGS, SPS, and RHIC. Collective motion due to a build-up of pressure is discussed, with implications on estimates of the energy density of the produced medium. The suppression of J/ψ and the enhancement of low-mass dileptons observed in experiments at the SPS are highlighted. The high p _T phenomena at RHIC are discussed in some detail. The suppression of high p _T hadrons in central Au+Au collisions is shown, as well as the absence of such a suppression in d+Au collisions.

PACS: 25.75.-q Relativistic heavy-ion collisions