Status and Promise of Particle Interferometry in Heavy-Ion Collisions

TL;DR

Particle interferometry in heavy-ion collisions provides crucial insights into the properties of the quark-gluon plasma, with ongoing measurements and analyses aiming to deepen understanding before the LHC heavy-ion program.

Contribution

This paper reviews the current status of femtoscopic measurements and outlines future research directions in heavy-ion interferometry.

Findings

Femtoscopic measurements have advanced understanding of matter in heavy-ion collisions.

Interferometry plays a key role in probing the quark-gluon plasma.

A list of needed measurements and analyses guides future research.

Abstract

After five years of running at RHIC, and on the eve of the LHC heavy-ion program, we highlight the status of femtoscopic measurements. We emphasize the role interferometry plays in addressing fundamental questions about the state of matter created in such collisions, and present an enumerated list of measurements, analyses and calculations that are needed to advance the field in the coming years.