Statistical Coalescence Model Analysis of J/psi Production in Pb+Pb Collisions at 158 A GeV

Abstract

Production of J/\psi mesons in heavy ion collisions is considered within the statistical coalescence model. The model is in agreement with the experimental data of the NA50 Collaboration for Pb+Pb collisions at 158 A GeV in a wide centrality range, including the so called ``anomalous'' suppression domain. The model description of the J/psi data requires, however, strong enhancement of the open charm production in central Pb+Pb collisions. This model prediction may be checked in the future SPS runs.

Comments: 13 pages, REVTeX, 2 PS-figures