Elastic proton-proton scattering at 2.24, 4.40 and 6.15 Bev

Abstract

Protons of the internal circulating beam of the Bevatron were scattered in a polyethylene target. Both scattered and recoil protons were detected by scintillation counters at angles which define elastic proton­-proton events. An internal counter was located within a few inches of the beam to permit measurements at laboratory scattering angles as low as 2°. Absolute values are based on the calibration of the induction electrode that monitors the circulating beam. Total elastic cross sections obtained by integrating the differential spectra are 17, 10, and 8 mb at 2.24, 4.40, and 6.15 Bev, respectively. The experimental angular distributions are consistent with the prediction of a simple optical model with a complex index of refraction at short range.