Total fragmentation cross section of 158A GeV lead projectiles in Cu target

Total fragmentation cross section for the reaction 158A Pb ions + Cu target is measured using the most sensitive track detector CR-39. Measured values are compared with calculations. Exposures of target-detector stack with 158A Pb projectiles are made at CERN-SPS beam facility. Results of calibration of CR-39 detector in a charge region (63≤Z≤83) are also reported, which can be used for high energy particle identification using CR-39 and in determination of partial charge changing cross sections. The charge resolution σZ achieved by this technique is about 0.2e. A systematic dependence of total fragmentation cross section on target properties is revealed and the corresponding results are presented. (authors)