The production of K^+ mesons in pA (A = D, C, Cu, Ag, Au) collisions has been investigated at the COoler SYnchrotron COSY-Julich for beam energies T_p = 1.0 - 2.3 GeV. Double differential inclusive pC cross sections at forward angles theta < 12 degrees as well as the target-mass dependence of the K^+ momentum spectra have been measured with the ANKE spectrometer. Far below the free NN threshold at T_{NN}=1.58 GeV the spectra reveal a high degree of collectivity in the target nucleus. From the target-mass dependence of the cross sections at higher energies, the repulsive in-medium potential of K^+ mesons can be deduced. Using pN cross-section parameterisations from literature and our measured pD data we derive a cross-section ratio of sigma(pn -> K^+ X) / sigma(pp -> K^+ X) ~ (3-4).
Double differential cross section for P C --> K+ X obtained in the 1.3 T mode. Errors do not include systematic uncertainties.
Double differential cross section for P C --> K+ X obtained in the 1.6 T mode. Errors do not include systematic uncertainties.
Cross section ratios CU/C and AU/C measured with the 1.3 T mode. Errors include statistical and systematic uncertainties.
K+ meson production in pA (A = C, Cu, Au) collisions has been studied using the ANKE spectrometer at an internal target position of the COSY-Juelich accelerator. The complete momentum spectrum of kaons emitted at forward angles, theta < 12 degrees, has been measured for a beam energy of T(p)=1.0 GeV, far below the free NN threshold of 1.58 GeV. The spectrum does not follow a thermal distribution at low kaon momenta and the larger momenta reflect a high degree of collectivity in the target nucleus.
Double differential K+ production cross section for forward K+ angles < 12 degs. Statistical errors only.
The invariant cross section for K+ production. Statistical errors only.
Ratio of K+ production cross sections for CU/C and AU/C.