Derive an expression for the rate of interactions in a fixed target experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving an expression for the rate of interactions in a fixed target experiment involving a proton beam with current I, target density ρ (g/cm³), target thickness d, and interaction cross-section σ. The participants emphasize the assumptions of highly relativistic beam particles and negligible attenuation in the target. A specific calculation is provided for a 1mA beam of high-energy protons interacting with a 1mm thick liquid hydrogen target, utilizing the relationship between density, cross-section, and interaction rates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of interaction cross-sections in particle physics
  • Knowledge of relativistic particle dynamics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of target density and thickness
  • Basic principles of beam current and charge calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Rutherford and Mott cross-sections
  • Learn about calculating interaction rates in particle physics experiments
  • Explore the implications of target thickness on interaction rates
  • Investigate the effects of beam current on interaction probabilities
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, particle physicists, and researchers involved in experimental design for fixed target experiments will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement




Derive an expression for the rate of interactions in a fixed target experiment, for which the beam of incoming protons has a current I, the target density is ρ(g/cm^{3}), the target thickness is d and the interaction cross-section is σ. You assume that the beam particles are highly relativistic (i.e. v≈c) and that the target is thin (i.e. there is negligible attenuation of the beam in the target itself. You may need to use other physical constants in you expression.

Use your expression to calculate the interaction rate for a 1mA beam of high-energy protons on a 1mm thick liquid Hydrogen target.

The Attempt at a Solution



density=mass/volume
=\frac{m_{p}\times number-of-protons-per-second-per-solid-angle\times t\times Ω}{\sigma\times d}
number of electrons per second per solid angle=\frac{density\times σ\times d}{m_{p}\times t\times Ω}

=\frac{dσ}{dΩ}\frac{density\times d}{m_{p}\times t}
=\frac{dσ}{dΩ}\frac{density\times d\times I}{m_{p}\times Q}

number of protons per second=\int\frac{dσ}{dΩ}\frac{density\times d\times I}{m_{p}\times Q}dΩ

But what formula does one use for d/dΩ?

the Rutherford cross-section? The Mott cross-section?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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why would you use the differential cross-section? They give you the cross-section, and the question doesn't want to know anything about the angle of scattering. I think you need to use the equation giving the interaction rate in terms of the cross-section.
 

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