On large transverse momentum production in high-energy proton-nucleus collisions

• Experimental data from inclusive production of large pT hadronsin high-energy proton-nucleus collisions are analysed with emphasis on the influence of the size of the target nucleus. It is found that data at pT≤3 GeV/c are consistent with the hypothesis that the incoming proton collides "simultaneously" with all the nucleons in its way, resulting in an effective collision energy larger than the one expected in a single proton-nucleon hit. At pT > 3 GeV/c, data are in conflict with such a simple model, a result we think is a consequence of the dominance of hard parton collisions at very large pT.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Annan fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Other Physics Topics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Fysik

Fysik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)