QCD hard scattering results from PHENIX at RHIC

Abstract

Data on hadron production at high transverse momentum ($p_T>$ 2 GeV/$c$) in p+p, d+Au, and Au+Au collisions at \sqrt{s_{NN} = 200 GeV from the PHENIX experiment at RHIC are reviewed. The single inclusive spectrum of light hadrons produced in central Au+Au reactions shows significant differences compared to p+p and d+Au collisions, and provides interesting information on the properties of the underlying QCD medium present in heavy-ion reactions at collider energies.

Comments: Invited talk at Nato Advanced Study Insitute: Structure and Dynamics of Elementary Matter, Kemer, Turkey, 22 Sep - 2 Oct 2003