Observation of double φ-meson production in the central region for the reaction pp→p f(K +K −K +K −)p s at 300 GeV/ c

Abstract

The reaction pp→p f(K +K −K +K −)p s in which the K +K −K +K − system is centrally produced has been studied at 300 GeV/ c. φφ production has been observed and the ratio σ(φK +K −)/ σ( φφ) is 1.0±0.3. The cross section for central production of φφ is found to be the same at 300 GeV/ c and 85 GeV/ c. An angular analysis of the φφ system favours J P =2 + over 0 −.