The thermodynamic model for relativistic heavy ion collisions

Abstract

The collision between two heavy ions at high energies is discussed within the framework of a statistical model which is developed step by step so that it can be followed by a reader unfamiliar with this approach. As we hope to show, the statistical model forms a comprehensive framework for investigating various aspects of such collisions. When statistical thermodynamics is coupled with a one and two fireball model or a firestreak model, single particle and multiparticle inclusive cross sections can be evaluated. Specifically, single particle proton, deuteron, triton and pion cross sections are calculated and compared with experiment. Two particle correlations are discussed using the microcanonical ensemble. Multiplicity distributions are evaluated using the canonical ensemble and composite particle formation is simply obtained from the grand canonical ensemble. The power law behaviour of composite particle cross sections is studied. The thermodynamic model is justified by calculating various reaction rates. Many comparisons with experimental data are made.