Production of bound mu(+)mu(-) systems in relativistic heavy ion collisions

Dimuonium (the bound system of two muons, the mu(+)mu(-)-atom system) has n ot been observed yet. In this paper we discuss the electromagnetic producti on of dimuonium at RHIC and LHC in relativistic heavy ion collisions. The p roduction of parastates is analyzed in the equivalent photon approximation. For the treatment of orthostates, we develop a three-photon formalism. We determine the production rates at RHIC and LHC with an accuracy of a few pe rcent and discuss problems related to the observation of dimuonium. [S0556- 2813(98)02611-9].