A peak in the pK−π+ and p¯K+π− invariant-mass spectra at 2.285±0.006 GeV/c2 is observed, which is associated with the lowest-lying charmed baryon (Λc). A cross section times branching ratio of 0.037±0.012 nb at Ec.m.=5.2 GeV is measured with a substantial fraction of the events produced with an equal recoiling mass. New measurements of inclusive p and Λ cross sections are also presented, allowing an estimate of the branching ratio B(Λc→pK−π+)=0.022±0.010.
THE TOTAL INCLUSIVE CHARMED LAMBDA CROSS SECTION IS DERIVED FROM THE OBSERVED PRODUCTION RATE VIA THE <P K- PI+> CHANNEL USING THE STEP IN INCLUSIVE PROTON PRODUCTION AT THE CHARMED-BARYON THRESHOLD AND REASONABLE ASSUMPTIONS. THE BRANCHING RATIO (LAMBDA/C+ --> P K- PI+) IS THEN 2.2 +- 1.0 PCT.
ACTUALLY TWICE THE INCLUSIVE ANTI-PROTON CROSS SECTION (EACH BARYON PAIR IS COUNTED TWICE).
EACH BARYON PAIR PRODUCED IS OF COURSE COUNTED TWICE IN THIS CROSS SECTION.