Inclusive photoproduction of neutral strange particles at 20 GeV

Abstract

We have studied inclusive production of ${K}_{S}^{0}$, $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$, and $\overline{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ particles in 20-GeV $\ensuremath{\gamma}p$ interactions and have found features similar to those observed in both hadronic and leptonic interactions. The production cross sections, charged-particle multiplicities, and average $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ polarization are reported. Inclusive distributions of $x$ and ${p}_{T}$ are shown and discussed in terms of quark fragmentation models. Production cross sections for ${K}^{*}(890)$ and ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{*}(1385)$ are also reported.