Pion production at low energies

Intense muon beams are needed both for neutrino oscillation experiments of a new generation and for muon colliders. A detailed knowledge of pion production processes in proton–nucleus collisions is important for the optimization of the pion collection. Comparison of particle generations at low proton kinetic energy (2 GeV) using different codes on a thin target are presented. The physical considerations underlying the models are also discussed. Results from simulations of a thick Hg-target will be given and some conclusions for the construction of a pion collector are shown.