Production of ω mesons in proton - Proton collisions

The cross section for the production of ω mesons in proton - proton collisions has been measured in a previously unexplored region of incident energies. Cross sections of σ = (7.5 ± 1.9) μb and σ = (30.8 ± 3.4) μb (with 20% systematic uncertainties) were extracted at ∈=92 MeV and 173 MeV excess energy above the ω threshold, respectively. The angular distribution of the ω at ∈ = 173 MeV is strongly anisotropic, demonstrating the importance of partial waves beyond pure s-wave production at this energy. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.