K*(890)andK*(1420)Production inK−pInteractions at 4.57 BeV/c

A study of three-body final states produced in 2-prong $K^{-}p$ interactions at 4.57 BeV/c is presented on the basis of 10 500 Guts-fitted events. Abundant production of $K^{*}\mathrm{}\left(890\right)\mathrm{}$ is observed in all three final states ($K^{-}{\pi }^{+}n$, ${\pi }^{-}p{\overline{K}}^0$, and $K^{-}p{\pi }^0$), while $K^{*}\mathrm{}\left(1420\right)\mathrm{}$ is more copiously produced in the final state $K^{-}{\pi }^{+}n$ than in the others. The spin density matrix elements for the $K^{*}\mathrm{}\left(890\right)\mathrm{}$ and $K^{*}\mathrm{}\left(1420\right)\mathrm{}$ are given and the production mechanisms are discussed in terms of the one-meson-exchange model. The cross sections for $K^{*}\mathrm{}\left(890\right)\mathrm{}$ and $K^{*}\mathrm{}\left(1420\right)\mathrm{}$ are given.