Using LHC Forward Proton Detectors to Tag Nuclear Debris

TL;DR

This paper explores how existing LHC forward proton detectors can be utilized to identify nuclear debris from spectator nucleons in heavy ion collisions, analyzing acceptance and potential extensions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the potential of LHC forward proton detectors to measure nuclear debris, including analysis of acceptance and possible improvements.

Findings

Detectors can measure nuclear debris from spectator nucleons.

Acceptance depends on nuclear motion and experimental setup.

Extension of acceptance region is feasible.

Abstract

The forward proton detectors, already existing at the LHC, are considered in the context of heavy ion collisions. It is shown that such detectors have the potential to measure nuclear debris originating from spectator nucleons. The geometric acceptance for different nuclei is studied, and how it is affected by the motion of the nucleons in the nucleus and by the experimental conditions. A possibility of extending the acceptance region is discussed.