On the model-dependence of the relation between minimum-bias and inelastic proton-proton cross sections

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the relationship between inelastic and minimum-bias proton-proton cross sections depends on the model used, highlighting the limitations of current trigger-based measurements in accurately determining certain diffractive processes.

Contribution

It demonstrates the model-dependence of minimum-bias trigger efficiencies and emphasizes the need for forward proton tracking for precise inelastic cross section measurements.

Findings

ATLAS results can distinguish between different hadronic models

Trigger efficiencies are highly model-dependent, affecting diffractive rate estimates

Measured cross sections are insensitive to low mass diffractive states

Abstract

The model-dependence of the relation between the inelastic and various minimum-bias proton-proton cross sections is analyzed, paying a special attention to the sensitivity of minimum-bias triggers to diffractive collisions. Concentrating on the trigger selections of the ATLAS experiment, the measured cross sections are compared to predictions of a number of hadronic Monte Carlo models used in the cosmic ray field. It is demonstrated that the ATLAS results are able to discriminate between different models and between certain theoretical approaches for soft multi-particle production. On the other hand, the strong model-dependence of the selection efficiency of the minimum-bias triggers prevents one from inferring high mass diffraction rate from the discussed data. Moreover, the measured cross sections prove to be insensitive to the production of low mass diffractive states in proton-proton collisions. Consequently, a reliable determination of the total inelastic cross section requires forward proton tracking by a dedicated experiment.