Gold target fragmentation by 800 GeV protons

Target fragmentation formation cross sections, angular distributions, and range spectra were measured for the interaction of 800 GeV protons with 197Au. From the measured formation cross sections, isobaric yields were deduced. The range distributions were converted to energy spectra. The angular distributions are sideward peaked for the fission/deep spallation products with the maxima in the distributions occurring at 300-600. The angular distributions and energy spectra are consistent with previous measurements of the interactions of energetic protons with gold. Within experimental uncertainties, the mass-yield distribution from the interaction of 800 GeV protons with gold is the same as from the interaction of 11.5 GeV protons with gold. The microcanonical model for statistical decay of very highly excited nuclei reproduces the general trend of the measured isobaric yields from the interaction of 800 GeV protons with 197Au although the calculation predicts more structure in the yields than is observed. (orig.)