Multiplicity Distributions in High-Energy Neutrino Interactions

Abstract

We present results from the Fermilab 15-ft bubble chamber on the charged-particle multiplicity distributions produced in high-energy charged-current neutrino-proton interactions. Comparisons are made to $\ensuremath{\gamma}p$, $\mathrm{ep}$, $\ensuremath{\mu}p$, and inclusive $\mathrm{pp}$ scattering. The mean hadronic multiplicity $〈{n}_{c}〉$ appears to depend only on the mass of the excited hadronic state, independent of the mode of excitation. A fit to the neutrino data gives $〈{n}_{c}〉=(1.09\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.38)+(1.09\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03)\mathrm{ln}{W}^{2}$.