Proton–Nucleus Cross Section at High Energies

Cross sections for proton inelastic collision with different nuclei are described within the Glauber and multiple scattering approximations. A significant difference between approximate “Glauber” formula and exact calculations with a geometrical scaling assumption for very high-energy cross section is shown. Experimental values of proton–proton cross sections obtained using extensive air shower data are based on the relationship of proton–proton and respective proton–air absorption cross sections. According to obtained results values reported by the Akeno and Fly’s Eye experimental groups are about 10% overestimated. The proper energy dependence of absorption cross section for collisions with air nuclei is of a great importance for studies of high energy cosmic rays using the Monte Carlo technique.