Forward-backward multiplicity distributions in a pure-birth process.

Abstract

Forward-backward multiplicity correlations are considered in a pure-birth process. We obtain analytic formulas for conditional moments of the backward multiplicity and the conditional backward multiplicity distribution at a given forward multiplicity. The conditional mean multiplicities and the conditional dispersions observed in pp collisions at \ensuremath{\surd}s =24, 31, 45, and 63 GeV and in p\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}p collisions at \ensuremath{\surd}s =546 GeV are analyzed. Good agreement between our approach and the data allows us to recognize some details specifying the stochastic approach of hadron-hadron collisions.