Exploring collective features of QCD in heavy ion collisions
Abstract:
Heavy Ion collisions at ultra relativistic energies are the only way to study terrestrially the collective properties of non-Abelian fluids. The Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) formed in such collisions is the hottest and densest matter produced on earth. Remarkably, it flows with very little resistance, a property it shares with ultra cold atoms. How the QGP forms is by itself a fascinating problem, requiring insights gained from the study of quantum field theories in strong external fields, particle physics, plasma physics and statistical mechanics. In these lectures we shall provide a status report on our present understanding of quark-gluon matter in heavy ion collisions, drawing together experimental results from RHIC and CERN, and developments in theory. We shall also discuss possible future directions in the study of collective QCD.