Prompt K_short production in pp collisions at sqrt(s)=0.9 TeV

TL;DR

This paper reports on the measurement of prompt K_short meson production in proton-proton collisions at 0.9 TeV using the LHCb detector, providing new data on cross-sections as functions of transverse momentum and rapidity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel luminosity determination technique and provides the first detailed differential cross-section measurements of K_short production at this energy.

Findings

Measured cross-sections are consistent with previous data.

Results agree with theoretical generator predictions.

Luminosity was determined with a new measurement method.

Abstract

The production of K_short mesons in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 0.9 TeV is studied with the LHCb detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The luminosity of the analysed sample is determined using a novel technique, involving measurements of the beam currents, sizes and positions, and is found to be 6.8 +/- 1.0 microbarn^-1. The differential prompt K_short production cross-section is measured as a function of the K_short transverse momentum and rapidity in the region 0 < pT < 1.6 GeV/c and 2.5 < y < 4.0. The data are found to be in reasonable agreement with previous measurements and generator expectations.