Eikonal Models for Diffraction Dissociation on Nuclei

An upper bound to the cross section for diffraction dissociation on a nucleus is derived by combining the fundamental viewpoint of Good and Walker with the eikonal model. The bound is consistent with measurements of $\pi A-\left(3\mathrm{}\pi \right)A$ in the coherent region. A number of the observed features of diffractive production are shown to be understandable by assuming the existence of a complete set of states which are diagonal in nuclear matter, and which are absorbed approximately equally, as would be expected according to a naive quark model. A possible explanation for the apparent smallness of the absorption of $3\pi$ and $5\pi$ sytems in nuclei is given. Finally, speculations are made on how these results might apply to diffractive production on proton targets.