Experimental Methods in Heavy Ion Physics

K. Bethge3540089314, 9783540089315

The investigation of physical phenomena relating to heavy particles such as atoms, ions and complex nuclei, i.e. the measurement of quantities originating in their interactions has grown out of its initial state of trial and error. In review of the present situation of the experimental methods, it can be seen that, in experimenting with heavy particles, it was first tried to extend the techniques and methods originally developed for light-particle interactions to the new fields. However, information on the limitations of the former methods was soon spred out. Many new ideas had to be developed and tried subsequently before they could be successfully applied. The present selection of topics is due to a widely felt need of new experimental developments- Since the number of heavy-ion facilities all over the world that also devote themselves to the development of experimental techniques, steadily increases, it was not meant to present a complete review of the whole field but rather to show the present state of knowledge on some of the topics.