Estimation of average hadron multiplicities in p-p collisions extended to very low energies

Abstract

The average multiplicities of charged hadrons produced in p-p collisions have been deduced using newly parametrised inclusive cross sections. A substantial improvement has thus been achieved in the estimation of the average hadron multiplicities. In particular, at very low energies close to the production thresholds for pi +or- and kappa +, the result is consistent with the corresponding exclusive reaction data under charge and baryon-number conservation. It is also observed that there is some evidence of a real discrepancy between the bubble chamber method and the counter method for measuring multiplicities. The average multiplicities of the produced neutral hadrons are also discussed in correlation with those of charged hadrons.