Mechanisms of multiparticle production in heavy ion collisions at high energy

Abstract

In the framework of a microscopic string model inclusive charged particle distribution and baryon and antibaryon production are described. The emphasis is put on high energies (RHIC) where shadowing corrections play a crucial role. Some recent developments on $J/\psi$ suppression at CERN-SPS are also discussed. Possible consequences for the crucial issue of thermal equilibration of the produced system are considered.Comment: 35 pages, Latex style, 12 Figures, 2 Tables. To be published in a special issue of ``Acta Physica Polonica'' in homage to Jan Kwiecinsk