We have analyzed the latest NA50 data on transverse energy distributions and $J/\psi$ suppression in Pb+Pb collisions. The transverse energy distribution was analyzed in the geometric model of $\mathrm{AA}$ collisions. In the geometric model, fluctuations in the number of $\mathrm{NN}$ collisions at a fixed impact parameter are taken into account. The transverse energy dependence of $J/\psi$ suppression was obtained following the model of Blaizot et al., where charmonium suppression is assumed to be 100% effective above a threshold density. When fluctuations in the number of $\mathrm{NN}$ collisions are taken into account, the NA50 data on $J/\psi$ suppression can be well fitted with a single parameter, the threshold density.

• Received 7 February 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.64.054903