Mach-like emission from nucleon scattering in proton-nucleus reaction

TL;DR

This study uses quantum molecular dynamics to reveal Mach-like emission patterns in nucleon scattering during proton-nucleus reactions at intermediate energies, highlighting the role of early binary collisions.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Mach-like structures emerge in nucleon emission spectra and are largely independent of the equation of state, emphasizing the importance of early binary collisions.

Findings

Mach-like angular distribution observed at early collision stages

Peak emission angle varies with bombarding energy

Emitted nucleons near the peak have fixed momentum around 0.5 GeV/c

Abstract

The fast-stage nucleon emission of proton-nucleus (pA) reactions from 300A MeV to 1.8A GeV has been investigated using the quantum molecular-dynamics model. It is found that the sideward angular spectrum of nucleon emission presents an interesting Mach-like structure at the early stage of the collision (tens of fm/c). The sideward angular peak value varies from about 45\circ to near 73\circ, depending on the bombarding energy. Nucleons emitted from the vicinity of the sideward peak tend to have a fixed momentum value about 0.5 GeV/c, independent of the bombarding energy as well as the impact parameter. Additionally, the sideward angular peak value is almost independent of the equation of state, indicating that binary collision at the early fast stage in the intermediate energy pA reaction plays an important role in the emergence of Mach-like emission.