Multiplicity Distributions in Multiperipheral Models with Isospin

Abstract

We develop a systematic approach to the study of multiplicity distributions in a general class of multiperipheral models (MPM) with isospin. Three features characterize these models: (1) the exchanged particles have definite isospin; (2) the production cross sections factorize into isospin- and dynamics-dependent terms; and (3) the high-energy behavior of the total cross section is governed by a leading Regge pole. Our approach is based on the construction of the general form of the generating function for the multiplicity distribution. Using this technique we are able to study independently the separate effects of the isospin constraints and of the underlying, isospin-independent dynamics. We find that, although a number of general features of the multiplicity distributions are sensitive only to the specific isospin exchange, the details of the multiplicity distributions depend crucially on both isospin and dynamics. In particular, when nontrivial dynamical correlations are present, the behavior of the multiplicity moments can be altered significantly from that expected by isospin considerations alone.