PHENIX
Hard Scattering PWG
Hard processes have the benefit that they can be
predicted by perturbative QCD. There are some complications like higher
order effects, intrinsic and multiple scattering induced initial state
$k_T$, structure functions in nuclei. However the main physics unknown
is the exact prediction of of the energy loss in hot/dense matter in
the limit at which we work, i.e. finite energy, finite length. Thus we
shall be in the fortunate position of being able to interpret our
measurements by quantifying them as a function of `centrality' in Au+Au
collisions or by comparison to p-p measurements without the oppression
of a `standard model' which `must be obeyed.'
Michael J. Tannenbaum 7/28/99 - contact: mjt@bnl.gov