QCD in nuclear collisions Original Research Article

The relationship between RHIC and HERA data is explored using the idea of saturation (color glass condensate) as a unifying framework for interpretation. A description of the early stages of a heavy ion collision is given consistent with the RHIC results. The relevant QCD dynamics at the various stages of a heavy ion collision, from production of gluons to equilibration, is reviewed. Some comments on current phenomenology are given.