General characteristic of the π − proton inelastic collisions at 10 Gev/c

Abstract

Experimental data on the π −-proton interactions at 10 GeV/ c are used for a discussion of two problems; i.e. the applicability of the statistical model and the existence of “central” collisions. First, it is shown that a simple version of the statistical model can be used in order to predict the relative probabilities for different reaction channels. Second, a method is proposed for the estimation of the fraction of central collisions. It is based on the symmetry of the angular distribution of baryons in the c.m. system and seems justified from the experimentalist's point of view. The cross section for central collisions evaluated according to this definition turns out to be 25–30% of the total inelastic cross section. This is consistent with the estimate of Fast and Hagedorn obtained from the analysis of the large-angle elastic scattering.