Helicity density matrix elements for inclusive K*(892)^0 mesons from hadronic Z^0 decays have been measured over the full range of K^*0 momentum using data taken with the OPAL experiment at LEP. A preference for occupation of the helicity zero state is observed at all scaled momentum x_p values above 0.3, with the matrix element rho_00 rising to 0.66 +/- 0.11 for x_p > 0.7. The values of the real part of the off-diagonal element rho_1-1 are negative at large x_p, with a weighted average value of -0.09 +/- 0.03 for x_p > 0.3, in agreement with new theoretical predictions based on Standard Model parameters and coherent fragmentation of the qq(bar) system from the Z^0 decay. All other helicity density matrix elements measured are consistent with zero over the entire x_p range. The K^*0 fragmentation function has also been measured and the total rate determined to be 0.74 +/- 0.02 +/- 0.02 K*(892)^0 mesons per hadronic Z^0 decay.
Inclusive K*= cross section.
Helicity density matrices elemnts.
Ratios of helicity density matrices elements.
The spin density matrix elements for the ϱ 0 , K ∗0 (892) and F produced in hadronic Z 0 decays are measured in the DELPHI detector. There is no evidence for spin alignment of the K ∗0 (892) and F in the region x p ≤ 0.3 ( x p = p p beam ), where ϱ 00 = 0.33 ± 0.05 and ϱ 00 = 0.30 ± 0.04, respectively. In the fragmentation region, x p ≥ 0.4, there is some indication for spin alignment of the ϱ 0 and K ∗0 (892), since ϱ 00 = 0.43 ± 0.05 and ϱ 00 = 0.46 ± 0.08, respectively. These values are compared with those found in meson-induced hadronic reactions. For the F, ϱ 00 = 0.30 ± 0.04 for x p ≥ 0.4 and 0.55 ± 0.10 for x p ≥ 0.7. The off-diagonal spin density matrix element ϱ 1-1 is consistent with zero in all cases.
Helicity density matrices elements. The statistical and systematic errors are combined quadratically.
Helicity density matrices elements. The statistical and systematic errors are combined quadratically.
Helicity density matrices elements. The statistical and systematic errors are combined quadratically.