Peripheral thresholds and Regge asymptotic expansions

Abstract

Multiperipheral models are used to show how the Regge expansion, while lacking threshold branch points, may nevertheless approximate the localized physical effects of “peripheral” thresholds. Examples are given to demonstrate that a single pair of complex poles is capable of representing even the lowest inelastic thresholds in both total and single-particle inclusive cross sections. The Regge mechanism that allows the position of a threshold to depend sensibly on the masses of incoming and outgoing particles is elucidated.