K ∗ production in K +n → K πN at 8.25 GeV/ c

Abstract

Reactions K +n → (K π)N have been studied using data from the CERN 2 m deuterium bubble chamber obtained with incident K + of 8.25 GeV/ c. There is an abundant production of K ∗(892) and K ∗(1420). The reaction and K ∗ resonance production cross sections are presented. K ∗ production and decay angular distributions are analyzed. Charge-exchange reactions are dominated by unnatural parity exchange and the non-charge-exchange reaction by natural parity exchange. The K ∗ 0 (892) data are in good agreement with the predictions of an OPE absorption model. A broad enhancement around 1850 MeV could be interpreted as a signal for the K ∗ 0 (1780).