THE RELATIVISTIC LANDAU-VLASOV METHOD IN HEAVY-ION COLLISIONS

We formulate a method to solve the relativistic kinetic equation for h eavy-ion collisions using covariant test particles of gaussian shape i n coordinate and momentum space, These gaussians are a generalization of covariant delta-functions and provide a solution of the relativisti c Vlasov equation in a harmonic approximation if their centers obey cl assical equations of motion. The gaussian in momentum space is discuss ed in relation to the spectral function and to the problem of off-shel l dynamics. We show that this representation of the phase-space distri bution is well adapted to control numerical fluctuations, and thus to give a reliable starting point to study physical fluctuations and frag mentation.