Quark-Gluon Plasma: From Big Bang to Little Bang

Description

This book introduces quark gluon-plasma (Qgp) as a primordial matter composed of quarks and gluons, created at the time of the "Big Bang". After a pedagogical introduction to gauge theories, various aspects of quantum chromodynamic phase transitions are illustrated in a self-contained manner. The cosmological approach and renormalization group are covered, as well as the cosmological and astrophysical implications of Qgp, on the basis of Einstein's equations. Recent developments towards the formation of Qgp in ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions are also presented in detail.

Table of Contents

Preface 1. What is quark-gluon plasma

Part I. Basic Concept of Quark-Gluon Plasma:

2. Introduction to QCD
3. Physics of quark-hadron phase transition
4. Field theory at finite temperature
5. Lattice gauge approach to QCD phase transitions
6. Chiral phase transition
7. Hadronic states in hot environment

Part II. QGP in Astrophysics:

8. QGP in the early universe
9. Compact stars

Part III. QGP in Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions:

10. Introduction to relativisitic heavy ion collisions
11. Relativistic hydrodynamics for heavy ion collisions
12. Transport theory for pre-equilibrium process
13. Formation and evolution of QGP
14. Fundamentals of QGP diagnostics
15. Results from CERN-SPS experiments
16. First results from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC)
17. Detectors in relativistic heavy ion experiments

Appendices.