F 0 (1270) production in the reaction π−p → π+π−n at 12 and 15 GeV/ c

Abstract

The production of the f 0 (1270) has been studied in the reaction π −p → π + π −n at 12 and 15 GeV/ c in the momentum transfer range 0.02 to 0.80 GeV 2. Differential and total cross sections for the reaction π −p → f 0n have been determined. The f 0 decay density matrix elements have been evaluated requiring all the matrix eigenvalues to be non-negative. The relative unnatural and natural parity exchange contributions to the f 0 production have been studied. The results are compared with a Regge exchange model formulated in terms of the pion and A 2 exchanges including cut contributions.