A new derivation of the statistical theory of particle production with numerical results for p-p collisions at 25 GeV

Abstract

A new derivation of the statistical model for particle production is given, starting fromS-matrix theory. Though the final formulae are essentially those used already in other recent publications, this derivation shows up clearly where the heuristic arguments come in and which are the weak points. One also sees that, contrary to a widespread opinion, the angular isotropy in the centre-of-mass system is neither a consequence, nor a pre-supposition of the statistical theory; the results of such a theory merely refer to averages over all angles in the CM-system. A critical discussion shows, however, that even the present form of the theory applies only to central collisions (in a wide sense) and should be extended to non-central ones, if one wishes very detailed data. Arguments are given which show that nevertheless the central collision theory may give agreement with experiments for many interesting quantities (as experience shows for 2.75 GeV and 6.2 GeV). A more detailed differentiation of the notion of inelasticity is proposed. Spectra and mean production numbers for 25 GeV p-p collisions are given in form of curves.