Proton-Proton Elastic Scattering Excitation Functions at Intermediate Energies

Excitation functions of proton-proton elastic scattering cross sections have been measured in narrow steps for projectile momenta p_p (energies T_p) from 1100 to 3300MeV/c (500 to 2500 MeV) in the angular range 35°≤Θ_c.m.≤90° with a detector providing ΔΘ_c.m.≈1.4° resolution. Measurements have been performed continuously during projectile acceleration in the cooler synchrotron COSY with an internal CH₂ fiber target, taking particular care to monitor luminosity as a function of T_p. The advantages of this experimental technique are demonstrated, and the excitation functions obtained are compared to existing cross section data. No evidence for narrow structures was found.