Measurement of forward neutral pion transverse momentum spectra for $\sqrt{s}$ = 7TeV proton-proton collisions at LHC

TL;DR

This paper reports measurements of neutral pion transverse momentum spectra at very forward rapidity in 7 TeV proton-proton collisions at the LHC, providing data to test hadronic interaction models relevant for cosmic-ray physics.

Contribution

The study provides the first measurements of neutral pion spectra at such high rapidity and compares them with various interaction models, enhancing understanding of forward particle production.

Findings

Spectra are consistent across two detectors.

Data agree/disagree with certain hadronic models.

Results inform cosmic-ray shower simulations.

Abstract

The inclusive production rate of neutral pions in the rapidity range greater than $y=8.9$ has been measured by the Large Hadron Collider forward (LHCf) experiment during LHC $\sqrt{s}=7$\,TeV proton-proton collision operation in early 2010. This paper presents the transverse momentum spectra of the neutral pions. The spectra from two independent LHCf detectors are consistent with each other and serve as a cross check of the data. The transverse momentum spectra are also compared with the predictions of several hadronic interaction models that are often used for high energy particle physics and for modeling ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray showers.