Azimuthal correlations for large transverse momentum charged hadrons have been measured over a wide pseudo-rapidity range and full azimuth in Au+Au and p+p collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 200 GeV. The small-angle correlations observed in p+p collisions and at all centralities of Au+Au collisions are characteristic of hard-scattering processes already observed in elementary collisions. A strong back-to-back correlation exists for p+p and peripheral Au + Au. In contrast, the back-to-back correlations are reduced considerably in the most central Au+Au collisions, indicating substantial interaction as the hard-scattered partons or their fragmentation products traverse the medium.
Azimuthal distributions of opposite-sign pairs in p+p collisions. All correlation functions require a trigger particle with $4<p_T^{\rm trig}<6$ GeV/$c$ and associated particles with $2<p_T<p_T^{\rm trig}$ GeV/$c$.
Azimuthal distributions of same-sign pairs in p+p collisions. All correlation functions require a trigger particle with $4<p_T^{\rm trig}<6$ GeV/$c$ and associated particles with $2<p_T<p_T^{\rm trig}$ GeV/$c$.
Azimuthal distributions of same-sign and opposite-sign pairs in minimum bias and background-subtracted 0-10% central Au+Au collisions. All correlation functions require a trigger particle with $4<p_T^{\rm trig}<6$ GeV/$c$ and associated particles with $2<p_T<p_T^{\rm trig}$ GeV/$c$.