Asymmetry in $\Lambda_b$ and $\bar \Lambda_b$ production

TL;DR

This paper investigates the observed asymmetry in $ ext{Lambda}_b$ and $ar{ ext{Lambda}}_b$ production at the LHC, discussing potential mechanisms and proposing further exploration in different collider data.

Contribution

It highlights the asymmetry in $ ext{Lambda}_b$ production and suggests examining this effect across various collider experiments to understand underlying physics.

Findings

The ratio $\sigma(pp o ar ext{Lambda}_b X)/\sigma(pp o ext{Lambda}_b X)$ decreases in the forward region.

Mechanisms for asymmetry are discussed, emphasizing the need for further experimental investigation.

Predictions for $ ext{Lambda}_b$ and $ar{ ext{Lambda}}_b$ directional preferences in different collider environments.

Abstract

In CMS data at the CERN Large Hadron Collider, the ratio $\sigma(pp \to \bar \Lambda_b X)/\sigma(p p \to \Lambda_b X)$ appears to fall as the baryons become more forward. Mechanisms which could give rise to this effect are discussed. It is urged that the same physics be explored in data from the LHCb Detector at CERN and the Fermilab Tevatron proton-antiproton collider. In the latter, if such leading-baryon effects are present, one expects $\Lambda_b$ to be preferentially produced in the direction of the proton and $\bar \Lambda_b$ to be preferentially produced in the direction of the antiproton.