Xi^- Production by Sigma^-, pi^- and Neutrons in the Hyperon Beam Experiment at CERN

TL;DR

This paper reports measurements of Xi^- hyperon production cross sections induced by Sigma^-, pi^-, and neutrons at CERN, revealing a strong leading effect and the influence of target mass on production rates.

Contribution

The study provides new inclusive cross section data for Xi^- production in high-energy hyperon and meson interactions, including target mass effects, using CERN's WA89 experiment.

Findings

Strong leading effect observed for Sigma^- induced Xi^- production

Cross sections depend on target nucleus mass

Differential cross sections as functions of transverse momentum and x_F

Abstract

Inclusive cross sections for Xi^- hyperon production in high-energy Sigma^-, pi^- and neutron induced interactions were measured by the experiment WA89 at CERN. Secondary Sigma^- and pi^- beams with average momenta of 345 GeV/c and a neutron beam of average momentum 65 GeV/c were produced by primary protons of 450 GeV/c from the CERN SPS. Both single and double differential cross sections are presented as a function of the transverse momentum and the Feynman variable x_F. A strong leading effect for Xi^- produced by Sigma^- is observed. The influence of the target mass on the Xi^- cross section is explored by comparing reactions on copper and carbon nuclei.