pp elastic scattering at ISR and LHC energies

Abstract

We describe data on elastic $pp$ scattering at ISR and LHC energies using the analytical representation of the amplitude as the sum of three exponentials equipped with complex phases. In addition, we take into account the Coulomb and Coulomb-nuclear contributions in the entire transfer region and strong "perturbative" contributions in the large transfer region. Refined values of basic scattering characteristics are obtained. Significant changes in the behavior of the amplitude are detected at the transition from ISR to LHC energies. The results obtained indicate a two-layer structure of the colliding protons. In the transition to 13 TeV, a sharp increase in the size of the inner layer and its activity in the scattering is observed. A possible interpretation of this effect is discussed.