These proceedings treat the production of high energy gamma rays and particles (mesons and dileptons) in heavy ion reactions from energies of about 30 MeV·A to a few GeV·A, and its application to the study of the Nuclear Equation of State from both the experimental and theoretical points of view. Giant resonances, intensity interferometry, meson fotoproduction and applications of intermediate energy heavy ion beams are also discussed.

This book presents recent results on experimental and theoretical studies of the interaction of heavy ions with nuclei at low and intermediate energies: the dynamics of fusion and decay of complex nuclear systems, the synthesis of superheavy elements, the synthesis and properties of exotic nuclei close to the proton and neutron driplines, nuclear fission, nuclear structure, and reactions with stable and radioactive ion beams. It also covers some aspects of applied physics research: track membranes and their applications, the use of polymers in medicine and electronics, production and application of radioisotopes for medical purposes, and environmental protection.

This understandable and inspiring book brings together both theorists and experimentalists working on the properties of nuclear and hadronic matter produced in heavy-ion collisions in various energy ranges. The main focus is on experimental signals revealing the possible phase changes of the matter.