Using the solenoidal magnetic detector PLUTO, we have measured the total cross section for e + e − annihilation into hadrons. Results are presented for center of mass energies between 3.6 and 4.8 GeV, and in the regions of the J ψ (3.1) and ψ(3.7) resonances. We also present results for the 2 prong cross section in the energy range 3.6 to 4.8 GeV.
First results from the magnetic detector PLUTO at the new e + e − storage ring PETRA are shown. The ratio R of the cross section for hadron production to that for μ-pair production has been measured to be R = 5.0 ± 0.5 at 13 GeV and 4.3 ±0.5 at 17 GeV. Both values have an additional systematic error of 20%. The events show a typical 2-jet structure. The mean transverse momentum approaches a constant value with increasing energy implying a shrinkage of the jet opening angle.