InclusiveK+andK−Electroproduction

Abstract

In inclusive electroproduction, the production ratios of kaons to pions for both charge signs, and of $K^{+}$ to $K^{-}$, have been measured in the positive-$x_{\mathrm{F}}$ region. The $\frac{K}{\pi }$ data for a deuterium target display behavior similar to that for a hydrogen target. The $\frac{K^{+}}{{\pi }^{+}}$ ratio shows a general rise and the $\frac{K^{-}}{{\pi }^{-}}$ ratio shows a decrease as $x_{\mathrm{F}}$ increases. For high $x_{\mathrm{F}}$, $\frac{K^{+}}{{\pi }^{+}}$ increases with ${P_T}^2$ while $\frac{K^{-}}{{\pi }^{-}}$ stays flat. The $\frac{K^{+}}{K^{-}}$ ratio shows a dramatic rise as $x_{\mathrm{F}}$ increases.