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P. R. Sala

Publications and source records attributed to P. R. Sala.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The FLUKA atmospheric neutrino flux calculation

The 3-dimensional (3-D) calculation of the atmospheric neutrino flux by means of the FLUKA Monte Carlo model is here described in all details, starting from the latest data on primary cosmic ray spectra. The importance of a 3-D calculation and of its consequences have been already debated in a previous paper. Here instead the focus is on the absolute flux. We stress the relevant aspects of the hadronic interaction model of FLUKA in the atmospheric neutrino flux calculation. This model is constructed and maintained so to provide a high degree of accuracy in the description of particle production. The accuracy achieved in the comparison with data from accelerators and cross checked with data on particle production in atmosphere certifies the reliability of shower calculation in atmosphere. The results presented here can be already used for analysis by current experiments on atmospheric neutrinos. However they represent an intermediate step towards a final release, since this calculation does not yet include the bending of charged particles in atmosphere. On the other hand this last aspect, while requiring a considerable effort in a fully 3-D description of the Earth, if a high level of accuracy has to be maintained, does not affect in a significant way the analysis of atmospheric neutrino events.

hep-ph↗

Calculation Of Secondary Particles In Atmosphere And Hadronic Interactions

Calculation of secondary particles produced by the interaction of cosmic rays with the nuclei of Earth's atmosphere pose important requirements to particle production models. Here we summarize the important features of hadronic simulations, stressing the importance of the so called ``microscopic'' approach, making explicit reference to the case of the FLUKA code. Some benchmarks are also presented.

hep-ph↗

Comparison of the FLUKA calculations with CAPRICE94 data on muons in atmosphere

In order to benchmark the 3-dimensional calculation of the atmospheric neutrino flux based on the FLUKA Monte Carlo code, muon fluxes in the atmosphere have been computed and compared with data taken by the CAPRICE94 experiment at ground level and at different altitudes in the atmosphere. For this purpose only two additions have been introduced with respect to the neutrino flux calculation: the specific solar modulation corresponding to the period of data taking and the bending of charged particles in the atmosphere. Results are in good agreement with experimental data, although improvements in the model are possible. At this level, however, it is not possible to disentangle the interplay between the primary flux and the interaction model.

hep-ph↗

A 3-Dimensional Calculation of Atmospheric Neutrino Flux

An extensive 3-dimensional Monte Carlo calculation of the atmospheric neutrino flux is in progress with the FLUKA Monte Carlo code. The results are compared to those obtained under the 1-dimensional approximation, where secondary particles and decay products are assumed to be collinear to the primary cosmic ray, as usually done in most of the already existing flux calculations. It is shown that the collinear approximation gives rise to a wrong angular distribution of neutrinos, essentially in the Sub-GeV region. However, the angular smearing introduced by the experimental inability of detecting recoils in neutrino interactions with nuclei is large enough to wash out, in practice, most of the differences between 3-dimensional and 1-dimensional flux calculations. Therefore, the use of the collinear approximation should have not introduced a significant bias in the determination of the flavor oscillation parameters in current experiments.

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The production of residual nuclei in peripheral high energy nucleus-nucleus interactions

A formation zone intranuclear cascade model is applied to peripheral nucleus-nucleus collisions. We calculate the excitation energies of prefragments, treat their further nuclear disintegration and introduce a model for nuclear deexcitation by photon emission. Results are compared to data on target associated particle production in nucleus-nucleus collisions. We discuss implications of these models to the description of particle production in the fragmentation regions. Special emphasis is put on applications for air showers induced by cosmic ray nuclei and for residual nucleus production at heavy ion colliders.

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Cascade particles, nuclear evaporation, and residual nuclei in high energy hadron-nucleus interactions

Based on a Monte Carlo realization of the Dual Parton Model we study the production of target associated particles and of nuclear fragments in high energy hadron-nucleus interactions. A formation zone intranuclear cascade of low energy secondaries inside the target nucleus is discussed. We calculate excitation energies of residual nuclei left after the intranuclear cascade process and treat their further disintegration by introducing models for the evaporation of protons, neutrons, and light fragments, high energy fission, and by applying a Fermi Break-up model to light nuclear fragments. The results are compared to data on target associated particle production. We furthermore calculate cross sections for the production of nuclear fragments.

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