  Peripheral collisions of relativistic heavy ions uniquely probe many aspects
of QED. Examples include $e^+e^-$ pair production and nuclear excitation in
strong fields. After discussing these reactions, I will draw parallels between
$\gamma\to e^+e^-$ and $\gamma\to q\bar q$ and consider partly hadronic
reactions. The scattered $q\bar q$ pairs are a prolific source of vector
mesons, which demonstrate many quantum effects. The two ions are a two-source
interferometer, demonstrating interference between meson waves. Multiple vector
meson production will demonstrate superradiance, a first step toward a vector
meson laser. Finally, I will discuss the experimental program planned at the
RHIC and LHC heavy ion colliders.
