Phenomenology of production of massive and new particles in hadronic interactions

Abstract

We develop a general framework relating cross sections for production of different massive final states in hadronic interactions. The $p\overline{p}$ total inclusive cross section is correctly calculated up to 1500 GeV from the observed ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ inclusive cross section. Predictions for $\overline{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ production have been confirmed by recent Fermilab measurements. The same framework strongly suggests that $\ensuremath{\psi} (J)$ particles are predominantly produced in association with another massive particle. Production of a $\ensuremath{\psi}\overline{\ensuremath{\psi}}$ pair on a nuclear target at (or below) threshold, where Fermi momentum of the nucleons in the nucleus is important, is calculated and compared to the recent BNL experiment. Production of heavier $\ensuremath{\psi} (J)$ resonances is strongly suppressed at BNL energies. The total cross section (integrated over Feynman $x$ for $pp\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\psi}(\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ in the Fermilab energy range (100-400 GeV/c) is expected to be substantially (2-3 orders of magnitude) above the BNL measurement and should roughly be ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}32}$-${10}^{\ensuremath{-}31}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Excitation curves for associated production of the $\ensuremath{\psi}(3.105)$ are calculated for various associated masses. We also calculate cross sections that are large for production of possible massive states of charmed hadrons through the Fermilab and CERN-ISR energy range.