Abstract
The production of φ mesons in the reaction e + p → e + φp ( gf → K + K −) at a median Q 2 of 10 −4 GeV 2 h been studied with the ZEUS detector at HERA. The differential φ photoproduction cross section dσ dt has an exponential shape and has been determined in the kinematic range 0.1 < | t| < 0.5 GeV 2 and 60 < W < 80 GeV. An integrated cross sect σ γp→ φp = 0.96±0.19 −0.18 +0.21 μb has been obtained by extrapolating to t = 0. When compared to lower energy data the results show a weak energy dependence of both σ γp→ φp and the slope of the t distribution. The φ decay angular distributions are consistent with s-channel helicity conservation. From lower energies to HERA energies, the features of φ photoproduction are compatible with those of a soft diffractive process.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
