Early time dynamics and hard probes in heavy-ion collisions

S. Schlichting

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arXiv · 1812.11529

Early time dynamics and hard probes in heavy-ion collisions

S. Schlichting

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Abstract

We present an overview of the current state of understanding of the early time dynamics of high-energy heavy-ion collisions, emphasizing recent developments and connections between the physics of the initial state and that of hard probes in heavy-ion collisions. Based on a weak-coupling description, we first establish a microscopic picture of the early time dynamics and equilibration process and subsequently discuss their macroscopic manifestations along with a novel macroscopic description of the pre-equilibrium phase. Some phenomenological consequences concerning the role of the pre-equilibrium phase in large (AA) and small (pp/pA) collision systems are briefly discussed along with open questions and opportunities for future improvements.

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S. Schlichting. 2018-12-30. Early time dynamics and hard probes in heavy-ion collisions. https://arxiv.org/abs/1812.11529

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