η production in proton-proton collisions

Abstract

We have studied η production in proton-proton collisions from threshold to 6 GeV beam energy. We have used the resonance model taking only the S 11(1535) ( N ∗ ) resonance, and distorted wave approximation to take into account the initial and final state interactions. We find that the measured total cross-section in pp → ppη channel can be understood in this model taking a sum of the one-pion, one-eta, one-rho and one-omega exchange potential for the pp → pN ∗ transition. The dominant contribution, however, comes from the rho exchange. We have tried to understand the reason for this dominance. The effect of distortion in the entrance and exit channels is to reduce the cross section. However, the effect is different for different potentials. We have also calculated the mass distribution and t distribution for pp → pN ∗ reaction.