Physics Department,
University of California,
One Shields Avenue,
Davis, CA 95616
Abstract
The data from the E895 experiment at the AGS have been analyzed to
produce spectra for light charged particles ($\pi^+$, $\pi^-$,
$K^+$, $K^-$, p, d, t). The transverse kinetic energy spectra in the
center of mass have been analyzed using the Siemens and Rasmussen
formula to extract the radial flow velocities and temperatures. The
covariance between temperature and radial flow velocity requires a
simultaneous fit using particle species of differing masses to best
constrain these two parameters. The energy scan from 2 to 8 AGeV allows
the search for the onset of a limiting temperature, which is seen to be
about 120 MeV at both SPS and and AGS top energy experiments. One naively
expects a limiting temperature to be reached where the matter starts to
soften. The longitudinal flow is examined using the $dN/dy$ spectra. From
these spectra one can extract flow velocities for studies of stopping and
for comparison to the radial flow, which is measured at mid-rapidity.
Comparisons will be made to data from higher and lower bombarding
energies.
P.J. Siemens and J.O. Rasmussen, Phys. Rev. Lett. 42, 880
(1979).
Nuclear Physics Group
