Luminosity determination at HERA-B

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel method for measuring the luminosity in the HERA-B experiment, achieving a precision of 5% or better, and explores the potential of delta-ray detection for luminosity measurement.

Contribution

The paper introduces an original luminosity measurement technique with high precision and discusses the innovative use of delta-ray detection for this purpose.

Findings

Luminosity can be measured with 5% precision using the new method.

Evidence for delta-ray detection in the target is reported.

Potential application of delta rays for luminosity measurement is discussed.

Abstract

A detailed description of an original method used to measure the luminosity accumulated by the HERA-B experiment for a data sample taken during the 2002-2003 HERA running period is reported. We show that, with this method, a total luminosity measurement can be achieved with a typical precision, including overall systematic uncertainties, at a level of 5% or better. We also report evidence for the detection of delta-rays generated in the target and comment on the possible use of such delta rays to measure luminosity.