Inelastic proton-air cross section growth from 0.2 TeV to 10 PeV according to TIEN SHAN experimental cosmic ray data

Abstract

Conclusions are made about the increase with energy of the inelastic proton air cross section σp−air from 0.2 TeV (accelerator experiments with fixed targets) to 10 PeV (cosmic rays). Experimental data from the Tien Shan complex array on various components (mainly hadron, Cherenkov light, and electron) of extensive air showers at 0.5–10 PeV of primary cosmic rays are analyzed. They were compared with many results of different calculated models of cosmic ray interactions in the atmosphere. The analysis showed that the rise conforms to (7–9)% per one order of energy. These data correspond better to the QGSJET-II-04 version of the interaction model based on the recent LHC results. This model predicts better the slower rise of the cross-section than previous versions of QGSJET-II and some other models.