On energy densities reached in heavy-ion collisions at the CERN SPS

We present a few estimates of energy densities reached in heavy-ion collisions at the CERN SPS. The estimates are based on data and models of proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus interactions. In all of these estimates the maximum energy density in central Pb+Pb interactions is larger than the critical energy density of about 0.7 GeV/fm^3 following from lattice gauge theory computations. In estimates which we consider as realistic the maximum energy density is about twice the critical value. In this way our analysis gives some support to claims that deconfined matter has been produced at the CERN SPS. Any definite statement requires a deeper understanding of formation times of partons and hadrons in nuclear collisions. We also compare our results with implicit energy estimates contained in earlier models of anomalous J/psi suppression in nuclear collisions.
Comment: 19 pages, 5 eps figures included, three cosmetic changes, published version