Tests of s-and t-channel helicity conservation in p π+π−, K −π+π− and π±π+π− production in 16 GeV/ cπ±p and 10 GeV/ c K −p interactions

Abstract

Necessary conditions for s-and t-channel helicity conservation are tested for p π + π −, K − π + π − and π ± π + π − states produced in 16 GeV/ c π ±p and 10 GeV/ c K −p interactions by means of a method which is independent of specific spin-parity assignments to these states. It is found that the production of p π + π − states is generally consistent with t-channel helicity conservation for masses up to 2.4 GeV, but that for π ± π + π − and K − π + π − some inconsistency with t-channel helicity conservation is found, primarily in the A 1 ± and Q − mass regions. s-channel helicity conservation is excluded for all states.