Inclusive Λ and $$\bar \Lambda$$ Production in K p interactions at 70 GeV/c.

Inclusive and semi-inclusive production of Λ and $$\bar \Lambda$$ in K p interactions is studied at an incident momentum of 70 GeV/c. Cross sections and single particle distributions are presented and compared with data at lower energies. Scaling is observed between 32 and 70 GeV/c in the Feynman x variable in the target and the beam fragmentation regions for Λ and $$\bar \Lambda$$ inclusive production respectively. An increase of Λ ( $$\bar \Lambda$$ ) production is observed in the beam (target) fragmentation regions, whereas the data at 70 and 32 GeV/c are reasonably close in the central region. The dependence of the Λ( $$\bar \Lambda$$ ) polarization as a function of x is measured and found to be in general agreement with the results at 32 GeV/c. The (Λ $$\bar \Lambda$$ ) pair production cross section increases significantly from 32 to 70 GeV/c. The Λ and $$\bar \Lambda$$ production associated with an identified proton is also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]