Resonance spins and thetdependence of Regge residues in multiperipheral models

Abstract

We argue that the $t$ dependence of Regge residues for small $t$ can be understood within the context of multiperipheral cluster models if the clusters are identified with the resonance spectrum and the correct spin structure is included for the resonances. The difference between the slopes of the $pp$ and $\ensuremath{\pi}p$ differential cross sections is ascribed to the average shift of resonance spin by 1/2 between the baryon and meson resonances. An illustrative calculation is performed which leads to qualitative agreement with experiment, including the energy dependence of diffractive slopes, multiplicities, and transverse momentum distributions for energies below 30 GeV. Longitudinal components of momentum transfer are correctly treated.