Description
Cosmic-ray particles are a valuable probe of galactic processes. The correct interpretation of new data has the potential for breakthrough results, such as the solution to the puzzle of cosmic-ray origin and the discovery of the effects of dark matter annihilation. In addition, the theoretical understanding of composite (anti)nuclei formation in hadronic collisions, while tightly connected to the astrophysical application, is of interest in its own right.
The precise measurement of antinuclei, like antiprotons, antideuterons, or antihelium, is particularly informative since these particles are rarely produced in conventional reactions. However, interpreting these measurements requires a good understanding of all involved processes to distinguish potential exotic contributions from ordinary production. The production and absorption cross-sections of antinuclei, need to be measured at accelerator-based experiments such as the LHC, BELLE-II, or fixed target experiments such as NA61/Shine or at the FAIR facility. The transport and propagation of the produced antinuclei through the Galaxy and the influence of the magnetic fields of the Sun and Earth need to be benchmarked by nuclei measurements in space. Both inputs must be better constrained and hinder a conclusive interpretation of newly available measurements. We have identified the necessity of bringing together experts working on the different sections of the interpretation chain in the next years and discussing future efforts on the phenomenological and experimental side to achieve real improvement in the field. This effort will help reduce the uncertainties of cosmic-ray anti-nuclei measurements and allow a conclusive interpretation of existing new high-statistics measurements with potential breakthrough results.