Coalescence models for hadron formation from quark-gluon plasma

Abstract

We review hadron formation from a deconfined quark-gluon plasma (QGP) via coalescence or recombination of quarks and gluons. We discuss the abundant experimental evidence for coalescence from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and compare the various coalescence models advocated in the literature. We comment on the underlying assumptions and remaining challenges as well as the merits of the models. We conclude with a discussion of some recent developments in the field. Copyright © 2008 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.