Observation of correlation between two fast protons in proton-nucleus interactions at 640 MeV

The measurements have been performed to observe correlations between backward emitted protons (BEP) and forward outgoing protons from quasi-free scattering of the incident proton of 640 MeV on a nucleons pair [pN] within Be, C, Al, Cu and Pb nucleus at the angles 12 deg and 122 deg: p0 + pN → p1 + N + p3. Here p1 is a proton detected in coincidence with BEP p3 and N is a nucleon unobserved under the conditions of this experiment. The differential cross sections for the BEP of energies from 50 to 145 MeV have been measured in coincidence with forward outgoing protons (255 to 330 MeV) by scintillation counter method. The inclusive BEP spectra have been explained by the quasi-elastic backscattering on clusters which do not break up during the interaction. The calculated distribution are remarkably narrower than the experimental anes. The measurements point out that the discussed production of two fast protons is observable with all the targets and the cross section per target nucleon decreases with increasing the target mass number