Speaker
Description
During LHC runs 1-2 the LHCf experiment measured neutral particles in the forward region of proton+proton and proton+lead ion collisions. These measurements allow the testing and fine tuning of hadronic interaction models in a phase space region relevant for studying the development of cosmic-ray air showers. One of the limitations in using the results obtained so far by LHCf is linked to the fact that the interactions of cosmic rays in the atmosphere involve low mass nuclei, mainly nitrogen and oxygen. Expectations for proton+nitrogen or proton+oxygen collisions can be obtained interpolating the results obtained with proton+proton and proton+lead collisions, but large uncertainties arise due to Ultra Peripheral Collisions occurring frequently in heavy ion interactions.
A new opportunity is under evaluation at the LHC, concerning the injection of oxygen ions in the LHC collider, as suggested in the past by the LHCf collaboration. Proton+oxygen collisions at the LHC energy scale would allow a direct study of atmospheric showers under controlled conditions. LHCf need a 2 nb^-1 integrated luminosity at low pile-up (mu<0.02) to complete a measurement at pseudorapidity larger than 8.4, for a total acquisition time of less than two days.
At the end of 2020 the cosmic-ray community has supported the LHCf proposal signing a letter to the LHC Committee to express the interest in the implementation of proton-oxygen collisions in the LHC run 3 and in the LHCf data taking.
We will present the LHCf plan and point of view in connection with this important opportunity at the LHC.
Keywords
Forward physics at LHC; particle accelerator; calibration of hadronic interaction models
| Subcategory | Experimental Results |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | other (fill field below) |
| other Collaboration | LHCf |
