On the production of 36Cl by high energy protons in thin and thick targets

Model calculations for the production of cosmogenic nuclides are a versatile tool for the interpretation of the abundances of cosmogenic nuclides, in dependence of the irradiation history in extraterrestrial matter, and the properties of the cosmic particle rays. Such a modelling requires integral excitation functions for the production of these nuclides by the most propagating primary and secondary particles of the cosmic radiation. Although many investigations on 36Cl in meteorites and lunar samples were made, the cross section data base for this nuclide was still insufficient. Here we report on cross section measurements for the proton-induced production of 36Cl from most relevant target elements and on the depth dependent production in thick targets. Our new nuclear data will be applied to the production of 36Cl in a lunar drill core and the meteorite Knyahinya. (orig.)