Self-similarity of Low-p T cumulative pion production in proton-nucleus collisions at U70

Abstract

The data on inclusive momentum spectra of π± mesons produced in p + A collisions over the range pL =15–65 GeV/c and θlab = 159° at U70 are analyzed in the framework of z-scaling approach. Self-similarity of the pion production in the low-pT cumualtive region is verified. Scaling function ψ(z) for Be, C, Al, Ti, Mo, W nuclei is constructed. It is expressed via the invariant cross section and the average multiplicity density of charged particles. Results of the analysis are compared with data obtained by J. Cronin, R. Sulyaev, and D. Jaffe groups at pL = 70, 400 GeV/c, pT > 1 GeV/c and θcms − 90°. A microscopic scenario of p + A interactions in terms of momentum fractions x1, x2 is discussed. Indication on self-similarity of the low-pT cumulative pion production in p + A collisions was found. Universality of the shape of the scaling function is used to predict inclusive cross sections of π+ and π− pions produced in p + A collisions on Be, C, Al, Ti, Mo, W targets in the deep-cumulative region (x2 ≫ 1/A).