Deuteron fragmentationd+a→p+x at relativistic energies and the role of the target nucleus
The modified phase-space model for the description of inelastic hadronic and nuclear reactions is applied todp, dd, anddC collisions at 9 GeV/c. Inclusive proton spectra are calculated as an incoherent superposition of processes classified by the number of projectile and target nucleons participating in the interaction. The corresponding integrated cross sections are evaluated in the Glauber approximation. For given numbers of participants the probability of observing a definite final channel is assumed to be proportional to the phase-space factor modified by a transition matrix element that is based on statistics, thermodynamics, and the quark picture of hadrons. By using conventional wave functions and taking particle production into account the overall features of the proton spectra at 0‡ and 8‡ are satisfactorily reproduced. With increasing target mass the properties of the target nucleus become important for the correct description of the spectra.