Nuclear stopping power at high energies

Abstract

Recent p+A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+X data are analyzed within the context of the multichain and additive quark models. We deduce the average energy loss of a baryon as a function of distance traversed in nuclear matter. Consistency of the multichain model is checked by comparing the predictions for p+A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$+X with data. We discuss the space-time development of baryon stopping and show how longitudinal growth limits the energy deposition per unit length. Predictions are made for the proton spectra to be measured in nucleus-nucleus collisions at CERN and BNL. Finally, we conclude that the stopping domain for central collisions of heavy ions extends up to center-of-mass kinetic energies ${E}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.\mathrm{\ensuremath{\approxeq}}(3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1)\mathrm{A}}$ GeV.