PROTON-NUCLEUS CROSS-SECTION AT HIGH-ENERGIES

Cross sections for proton inelastic collisions with different nuclei a re described within the Glauber and multiple scattering approximations . A significant difference between the approximate 'Glauber' formula a nd exact calculation with a geometrical scaling assumption for very hi gh-energy cross section is shown. Experimental values of proton-proton cross sections obtained using extensive air shower data are based on the relationship of proton-proton and respective proton-air absorption cross sections. According to obtained results values reported by the Akeno and Fly's Eye experimental groups are about 10% overestimated. T he proper energy dependence of absorption cross section for collisions with air nuclei is of a great importance for studies of high-energy c osmic rays using the Monte Carlo technique.