Excitation function of (p, pn) reactions at high energy

Abstract A closed theoretical formula for the (p, pn) reaction cross section at high energies in light, medium and heavy nuclei has been derived, and a comparison of the calculated cross sections with the experimental datais made for 12 C, 19 F, 54 Fe, 58 Ni, 59 Co, 64 Zn, 65 Cu, 100 Mo, 127 I, 142 Ce, 182 Ta and 238 U at incident energies above 50 MeV. Good agreement between experimental and calculated cross sections is obtained in the entire energy range considered. In deducing the formula a direct reaction with a pure knock-out mechanism has been assumed.