Cross-sections of large-angle hadron production in proton- and pion-nucleus interactions VI: carbon nuclei and beam momenta from \pm 3 GeV/c to \pm 15 GeV/c

TL;DR

This paper presents detailed measurements of secondary particle production cross-sections in proton and pion interactions with carbon nuclei at beam momenta from 3 to 15 GeV/c, providing valuable data for nuclear physics and particle interaction models.

Contribution

It provides new double-differential cross-section data for secondary protons, pions, and deuterons in proton- and pion-carbon interactions across a range of beam momenta and angles.

Findings

Cross-sections vary with beam momentum and angle.

Comparison shows differences between carbon and heavier nuclei.

Data supports refinement of nuclear interaction models.

Abstract

We report on double-differential inclusive cross-sections of the production of secondary protons, charged pions, and deuterons, in the interactions with a 5% nuclear interaction length thick stationary carbon target, of proton and pion beams with momentum from \pm 3 GeV/c to \pm 15 GeV/c. Results are given for secondary particles with production angles between 20 and 125 degrees. Cross-sections on carbon nuclei are compared with cross-sections on beryllium, copper, tantalum and lead nuclei.