Inclusive strange particle production in π −p interactions at 6 GeV/c

Abstract

The inclusive production of Λ, K S 0, Σ ±(1385) and K ∗±(892) in π −p interactions at 6 GeV/ c has been studied. The observed cross sections are: σ( Λ)=0.94±0.06 mb, σ(K S 0)=0.98±0.06 mb, σ( Σ +(1385))=60±7 μb, σ( Σ −(1385))=90±9 μb, σ( K ∗+(892))=216±28 μ b and σ( K ∗−(892))=41±8 μ b , respectively. The inclusive spectra of these particles are presented as functions of squared transverse momentum and Feynman scaling variable x. The polarization of Λ has also been investigated. It is found from a comparison with higher-energy data that the inclusive cross sections for Σ ±(1385) and the production ratios Σ ±(1385)/ Λ in π −p at 6 GeV/ c have not reached the high-energy limiting values.