Antinucleon production and its relation to the rise in the proton-proton total cross section

Abstract

Arguments suggesting that the rise in the $\mathrm{pp}$ total cross section is due to antinucleon production are reviewed and questioned. While this hypothesis cannot be ruled out, the important coupling between the $N\overline{N}$ channel and meson channels complicates the dynamical picture. We consider multiperipheral cluster models generally, but include some of the effects of unitarity by discussing final-state interactions. We conclude that, either multiperipheral cluster models for $N\overline{N}$ production are inapplicable or, within the context of such models, $N\overline{N}$ production alters the production of other particles. These facts render previous model calculations of dubious applicability.