Proton rapidity distributions from 60 GeV/n 16O + Au collisions

Abstract An analysis of the proton rapidity distribution in central 16 + Au collisions at 60 GeV/n measured in the NA35 streamer chamber detector at the CERN SPS is presented. The charge excess of positive particles over negative particles was measured. The rapidity distribution of the charge excess which can be associated with the primordial protons in the collision is studied in terms of the nuclear stopping power and is compared to the predictions of various models.