A statistical analysis of the multifragmentation of gold nuclei
Abstract
Over a decade ago the suggestion was made, based on inclusive data, that the high energy reaction known as nuclear multifragmentation might be a critical phenomenon. This thesis reviews the statistical analysis of a recent experiment conducted by the EOS collaboration at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Bevalac. Projectile fragmentation of 1.0 GeV/n gold nuclei incident on a carbon target is studied. Nearly all of the charged reaction products were detected on an event-by-event basis. These exclusive data permit the first determination of the critical exponents associated with nuclear multifragmentation. In addition to the critical exponents, other signals of a phase transition are investigated.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Scharenberg, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Nuclear physics|Particle physics|Condensation
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