Phenomenology of production of massive and new particles in hadronic interactions

Abstract

We develop a general framework relating cross sections for production of different massive final states in hadronic interactions. The $p\overline{p}$ total inclusive cross section is correctly calculated up to 1500 GeV from the observed $K^{-}$ inclusive cross section. Predictions for $\overline{\Lambda }$ production have been confirmed by recent Fermilab measurements. The same framework strongly suggests that $\psi \mathrm{}\left(J\right)\mathrm{}$ particles are predominantly produced in association with another massive particle. Production of a $\psi \overline{\psi }$ pair on a nuclear target at (or below) threshold, where Fermi momentum of the nucleons in the nucleus is important, is calculated and compared to the recent BNL experiment. Production of heavier $\psi \mathrm{}\left(J\right)\mathrm{}$ resonances is strongly suppressed at BNL energies. The total cross section (integrated over Feynman $x$ for $pp\to \psi (\to {\mu }^{+}{\mu }^{-})$ in the Fermilab energy range (100-400 GeV/c) is expected to be substantially (2-3 orders of magnitude) above the BNL measurement and should roughly be ${10}^{-32\mathrm{}}$-${10}^{-31\mathrm{}}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^2$. Excitation curves for associated production of the $\psi \mathrm{}\left(3.105\right)\mathrm{}$ are calculated for various associated masses. We also calculate cross sections that are large for production of possible massive states of charmed hadrons through the Fermilab and CERN-ISR energy range.