Diffraction dissociation in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 0.9 TeV, 2.76 TeV and 7 TeV with ALICE at the LHC

TL;DR

This paper reports measurements of single- and double-diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions at multiple energies using the ALICE detector, providing insights into diffraction phenomena at the LHC.

Contribution

It presents the first detailed measurement of diffractive cross-sections at different LHC energies with ALICE, including trigger efficiencies and luminosity calibration.

Findings

Measured diffractive cross-sections at 0.9, 2.76, and 7 TeV.

Quantified trigger efficiencies for various event classes.

Provided data to improve understanding of diffraction in high-energy collisions.

Abstract

The relative rates of single- and double- diffractive processes were measured with the ALICE detector by studying properties of gaps in the pseudorapidity distribution of particles produced in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 0.9 TeV, 2.76 TeV and 7 TeV. ALICE triggering efficiencies are determined for various classes of events, using a detector simulation validated with data on inclusive particle production. Cross-sections are determined using van der Meer scans to measure beam properties and obtain a measurement of the luminosity.