The Mar(e)k of QGP: Strangeness

Abstract

Strangeness signature of of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) is central to the exploration of baryon-dense matter: the search for the critical point and onset of deconfinement. I report on the discovery of QGP by means of strangeness: The key historical figures and their roles in this quest are introduced and the experimental results obtained are discussed. The important role of antihyperons is emphasized. The statistical hadronization model, and sudden hadronization are described. Results of present day data analysis: strangeness and entropy content of a large fireball, and the universal hadronization condition describing key features of all explored collision systems are presented.Comment: 27 pages, 9 figures, Based on two invited lectures presented at CPOD (Critical Point and Onset of Deconfinement) International Conference held in Wroclaw, Poland May 30th --June 4th, 2016, dedicated to Marek Ga\'zdzicki on occasion of his 60th birthday, v2: shortened upon request of editor