High Rapidity Physics with the BRAHMS Experiment

We report the study of the nuclear modification factor R{sub AuAu} as function of p{sub T} and pseudo-rapidity in Au+Au collisions at top RHIC energy. We find this quantity almost independent of pseudo-rapidity. We use the {bar p}/{pi}{sup -} ratio as a probe of the parton density and the degree of thermalization of the medium formed by the collision. The {bar p}/{pi}{sup -} ratio has a clear rapidity dependence. The combination of these two measurements suggests that the pseudo-rapidity dependence of the R{sub AuAu} results from the competing effects of energy loss in a dense and opaque medium and the modifications of the wave function of the high energy beams in the initial state.