An analysis of a data sample of 1296 events of the reaction p p → K + K − π + π − at 2.32 GeV/ c is presented. The reaction cross section is 300 ± 20 μb . A number of tests of C conservation were made with careful attention to possible systematic errors, yielding no clear evidence of C violation. Various quasi two-body and quasi three-body final states contributing to this reaction were studied. The final state φπ + π − appears to be produced via a Zweig's rule violating mechanism. An analysis of the quasi three-body final state, K ∗0 K − π + (with K ∗0 → K + π − ) plus charge conjugate, whose cross section is 84 ± 12 μ b, is given. The properties of this final state are compared with expectations based on a simple baryon exchange model, and poor agreement is found. A quark model allows a successful qualitative interpretation of the properties of this three-body final state.
A bubble-chamber experiment based on 304 000 events of p¯p interactions at 2.32 GeV/c is described. The film was automatically scanned and measured by the POLLY II system. Details of the data-analysis methods are given. We report results on cross sections for constrained final states, tests of C invariance, and inclusive pion and ρ0 multiplicity parameters for annihilation final states.
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