Z scaling in proton-nucleus collisions at high energies

Abstract

New scaling, z scaling, in the inclusive particle production in pA collisions is studied. The concept of z scaling is based on fundamental principles such as self-similarity, locality, scale relativity, and fractality reflecting the general features of particle interactions. The scaling function H-A(z) is expressed via the invariant cross section Ed(3)sigma/dq(3) and the average multiplicity density dN/d eta of particles produced at pseudorapidity eta=0 in the corresponding nucleon-nucleon interaction. The dependence of H-A(z) on scaling variable z, the center-of-mass energy root s and the atomic number A is investigated. It is shown that the available experimental data on cross sections in pA collisions confirm the scaling properties of the function H-A(z). The obtained results can be of interest for future experiments at BNL relativistic heavy-ion collider and CERN large hadron collider in searching for new physical phenomena in pp, pA, and AA collisions. [S0556-2813(99)02304-3].