The reaction γp → pπ+π−π+π− for photon energies from 25 to 70 GeV

Measurements of the reaction γ p → p π + π − π + π − are presented, in which π + π − π + π − systems with masses up to 3 GeV are produced from fragmentation of the incident photon. The reaction is dominated by production of the large peak of the ϱ′(1600) meson and, at higher masses ≳2 GeV, y production of jet-like 4 π systems. The ϱ′(1600) meson is produced by a predominantly s -channel helicity conserving mechanism. At higher masses there are also indications of ϱπ peaks, of masses 1.3 GeV (the A 2 meson) and 1.75 GeV, produced with a recoiling π meson by a mechanism consistent with the Deck effect.