Phase Transitions in Atomic Nuclei

Wolfgang Bauer
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University



Using relativistic projectiles we can compress and heat atomic nuclei so that they may undergo phase transitions. The two decade long search for the critical point of nuclei in nuclear fragmentation has recently come to a successful conclusion.  These results will be presented here.  Of particular interest are the modification of the character of the phase transition due to the extreme finite size effects.  Comparison to other phase transition and fragmentation of buckyballs will be drawn.