Predictions of the generalized Glauber model for the coherent ρ production at relativistic and ultrarelativistic energies

We calculate the rapidity distribution and the total cross section of coherent and incoherent ρ production in heavy ion ultraperipheral collisions at (s)_NN=130 GeV using the generalized vector dominance model and the Gribov-Glauber approach. We find the coherent cross section of ρ-production σ_coh=490 mb compared to σ_coh=370±170±80 mb recently reported by the STAR collaboration at RHIC. The predicted cross section inside the acceptance of the experiment, |y|⩽1, agrees with the data within half a standard deviation. It is emphasized that measurements of the rapidity distribution will provide a much more stringent test of the used approach.