ReactionsK−p→Σ±π∓at 4.07 and 5.47GeVc

Experimental results, based on a hydrogen-bubble-chamber exposure, are reported for the reactions (1) $K^{-}p\to {\Sigma }^{+}{\pi }^{-}$ and (2) $K^{-}p\to {\Sigma }^{-}{\pi }^{+}$. In the experiment, $K^{-}$ track lengths equivalent to 0.95 μb per event at 4.07 $\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$ and 0.27 μb per event at 5.47 $\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$ have been analyzed. The cross sections at 4.07 and 5.47 $\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$, respectively, are 107±27 and 84±14 μb for reaction (1), and 8±5 and 2±1 μb for reaction (2). The dominant feature of reaction (1) is a peripheral peak in the center-of-mass production angular distribution. Differential cross sections are presented for the pheripheral region, and a comparison with the Regge model of Sarma and Reeder is made. Because of the statistics of this experiment, only crude estimates can be given for the extreme backward (antiperipheral) differential cross section for these reactions.