Multiplicity distribution and spectra of negatively charged hadrons in Au + Au collisions at √SNN = 130 GeV

The minimum-bias multiplicity distribution and the transverse momentum and pseudorapidity distributions for central collisions have been measured for negative hadrons (h(-)) in Au + Au interactions at roots(NN) = 130 GeV. The multiplicity density at midrapidity for the 5% most central interactions is dN(h)-/d eta\(eta =0) = 280 +/- (stat) +/- 20(syst), an increase per participant of 38% relative to p (p) over bar collisions at the same energy. The mean transverse momentum is 0.508 +/- 0.012 GcV/c and is larger than in central Pb + Pb collisions at lower energies. The scaling of the h(-) yield per participant is a strong function of p(perpendicular to). The pseudorapidity distribution is almost constant within \eta\ < 1.