$e^+$ and $\bar{p}$ production in $pp$ collisions and the cosmic-ray $e^+/\bar{p}$ flux ratio

Abstract

Secondary astrophysical production of $e^+$ and $\bar{p}$ cosmic rays is considered. Inclusive $π$, $K$, and $\bar{p}$ production cross sections in $pp$ collisions at large $\sqrt{s}$ are parametrised using recent experimental data at LHC energies. The astrophysical production rate ratio $Q_{e^+}/Q_{\bar{p}}$ is calculated for an input cosmic ray proton flux consistent with local measurements. At $10<E<100$$\sim$GeV the cosmic ray flux ratio $J_{e^+}/J_{\bar{p}}$ measured by AMS02 falls below the production rate ratio by about 50\%, while at high energy $E>100$$\sim$GeV the measured flux ratio coincides with the production rate ratio of the secondary source.

9 pages, 8 figures