A novel search for free quarks produced in relativistic heavy-ion interactions

We propose a novel search for free anti-diquarks (uu =) Q with electric charge -4/3 produced in heavy-ion collisions induced by an ultra relativistic heavy-ion beam, for example, the Pb beam at CERN or the Au beam at BNL. Stopping the Qs in a dewar of liquid deuterium, will allow the Qs to catalyze d-d fusion by rapidly forming ddQ molecules. The resultant products stop in a short distance, by the ionization of the D-2. When the ions and electrons recombine, photons will be emitted which can be detected by photomultiplier tubes. If a heavy-ion beam bunched in time is available, any Qs stopped in the dewar should continue this catalysis process long after any secondary beam interaction particles have left the dewar. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.