Multiple diffraction model for proton-proton elastic scattering and total cross section extrapolations to cosmic-ray energies

We analyze pp elastic scattering data at the highest accelerator energy region (10<√ (s) ≤62.5 GeV) through a multiple diffraction approach. The use of Martin close-quote s formula in a model developed earlier is substituted by the introduction of a complex elementary (parton-parton) amplitude. With this the total cross section and the ρ parameter may be simultaneously investigated and, with the exception of the diffraction minimum at some CERN ISR energies, a satisfactory description of all experimental data is obtained. Total cross section extrapolations to cosmic-ray energies (√(s)>6 TeV) show agreement with the reanalysis of the Akeno data performed by Nikolaev and also with Gaisser, Sukhatme, and Yodh results, leading to the prediction σtotpp(√(s) =16 TeV)=147 mb. Physical interpretations and critical remarks concerning our parametrizations and results are also presented and discussed. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society