Pattern ofJ/ψsuppression in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions

We calculate the transverse-momentum dependence of J/ψ suppression in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions, assuming the existence of a characteristic energy density ${\epsilon }_s$ above which no J/ψ could be formed. Bjorken’s longitudinal-scaling hydrodynamics is used to describe the system in the central rapidity region. The transverse-momentum dependence of J/ψ suppression observed in the recent CERN NA38 experiment colliding 200-GeV/nucleon oxygen on uranium can be understood in our model if ${\epsilon }_s$≥0.7 GeV/${\mathrm{fm}}^3$. We also make predictions for 200-GeV/nucleon sulfur-uranium interactions.