The first measurements of $x_F$-dependent single spin asymmetries of identified charged hadrons, $\pi^{\pm}$, $K^{\pm}$, and protons, from transversely polarized proton-proton collisions at 62.4 GeV at RHIC are presented. The measurements extend to high-$x_F$ ($|x_F|\sim 0.6$) in both the forward and backward directions.Large asymmetries are seen in the pion and kaon channels. The asymmetries in inclusive $\pi^{+}$ production, $A_N(\pi^+)$, increase with $x_F$ from 0 to $\sim$0.25 %at $x_F = 0.6$ and $A_N(\pi^{-})$ decrease from 0 to $\sim$$-$0.4. Even though $K^-$ contains no valence quarks, observed asymmetries for $K^-$ unexpectedly show positive values similar to those for $K^+$, increasing with $x_F$, whereas proton asymmetries are consistent with zero over the measured kinematic range. Comparisons of the data with predictions of QCD-based models are presented. The flavor dependent single spin asymmetry measurements of identified hadrons allow for stringent tests of theoretical models of partonic dynamics in the RHIC energy regime.
$A_{N}$ versus $x_{\mathrm{F}}$ for $\mathrm{\pi}^{-}$ in $\mathrm{p}\mathrm{p}$ at $\sqrt{s}=62.4\,\mathrm{Ge\!V}$
$A_{N}$ versus $x_{\mathrm{F}}$ for $\mathrm{\pi}^{-}$ in $\mathrm{p}\mathrm{p}$ at $\sqrt{s}=62.4\,\mathrm{Ge\!V}$
$A_{N}$ versus $x_{\mathrm{F}}$ for $\mathrm{\pi}^{+}$ in $\mathrm{p}\mathrm{p}$ at $\sqrt{s}=62.4\,\mathrm{Ge\!V}$
We present particle spectra for charged hadrons $\pi^\pm, K^\pm, p$ and $\bar{p}$ from pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}=200$ GeV measured for the first time at forward rapidities (2.95 and 3.3). The kinematics of these measurements are skewed in a way that probes the small momentum fraction in one of the protons and large fractions in the other. Large proton to pion ratios are observed at values of transverse momentum that extend up to 4 GeV/c, where protons have momenta up to 35 GeV. Next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations describe the production of pions and kaons well at these rapidities, but fail to account for the large proton yields and small $\bar{p}/p$ ratios.
Invariant cross section for PI+ production in P P collisions at SQRT(S)=200 GeV and rapidity 2.95.
Invariant cross section for PI- production in P P collisions at SQRT(S)=200 GeV and rapidity 2.95.
Invariant cross section for K+ production in P P collisions at SQRT(S)=200 GeV and rapidity 2.95.