Large-Angle Proton-Proton Elastic Scattering at Intermediate Momenta

Differential cross sections have been measured for large-angle $p-p$ elastic scattering at intermediate momenta in an experiment performed at the Argonne National Laboratory Zero Gradient Synchrotron. A wire-spark-chamber detection system was employed. The results are reported at 13 momenta between 1.5 and 5.5 $\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$, and cover the angular region $30\le {\theta }_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.\mathrm{}}\le 90$°. The statistical accuracy of the data, presented in 2° bins in ${\theta }_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.\mathrm{}}$, is typically ±4%. The data suggest slope changes in the fixed-${\theta }_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.\mathrm{}}$ cross sections near $-t=0.8\mathrm{}$ and 3 ${\left(\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}\right)}^2$. The results of attempts to interpret the data in terms of optical models, the statistical model, the Regge-pole model, and a diffractive model are presented. A Regge calculation which predicts the masses at which dibaryon resonances might be expected to occur is outlined.