Experimental Tests of Triple Regge Theory

The results of measurements on the inclusive production of $$\pi^0$$ and $$\eta$$ mesons from 100 GeV $$\pi^{\pm}, K^{\pm}, \rho$$ and $$\bar{\rho}$$ beams in the triple Regge kinematic region are presented. Fits are made to the predictions of the triple Regge model which show that the model is successful. The $$\rho, A_2$$, K* and N Regge trajectories are extracted from the fits and they all agree with those found from exclusive processes at low -t. 2 For -t above about 1.5 GeV , the $$\rho$$ and $$A_2$$ trajectories both flatten off at a value of about -0.5. Evidence is seen for the wrong signature nonsense zero of the $$\rho$$. Results on the neutral final state production of $$\pi^0$$ and $$\eta$$ mesons from $$\pi^-$$ beams are also presented and the $$\rho$$ and $$A_2$$ trajectories extracted using an extended triple Regge theory are in agreement with those from both the inclusive and exclusive processes. Comparisons with predictions from QCD are made.