Large-Angle Proton-Proton Elastic Scattering at Intermediate Momenta

Abstract

Differential cross sections have been measured for large-angle $p\ensuremath{-}p$ elastic scattering at intermediate momenta in an experiment performed at the Argonne National Laboratory Zero Gradient Synchrotron. A wire-spark-chamber detection system was employed. The results are reported at 13 momenta between 1.5 and 5.5 $\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$, and cover the angular region $30\ensuremath{\le}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}\ensuremath{\le}90$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The statistical accuracy of the data, presented in 2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} bins in ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}$, is typically \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4%. The data suggest slope changes in the fixed-${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}$ cross sections near $\ensuremath{-}t=0.8$ and 3 ${(\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c})}^{2}$. The results of attempts to interpret the data in terms of optical models, the statistical model, the Regge-pole model, and a diffractive model are presented. A Regge calculation which predicts the masses at which dibaryon resonances might be expected to occur is outlined.