Multiplicity Distributions in High-Energy Neutrino Interactions

Abstract

We present results from the Fermilab 15-ft bubble chamber on the charged-particle multiplicity distributions produced in high-energy charged-current neutrino-proton interactions. Comparisons are made to $\gamma p$, $\mathrm{ep}$, $\mu p$, and inclusive $\mathrm{pp}$ scattering. The mean hadronic multiplicity $〈n_c〉$ appears to depend only on the mass of the excited hadronic state, independent of the mode of excitation. A fit to the neutrino data gives $〈n_c〉=(1.09\mathrm{}\pm 0.38)+(1.09\pm 0.03)\ln W^2$.