We have measured the xF and PT dependence of the polarization of Λ0 hyperons produced in exclusive final states pp→pΛ0K+π+π−, pp→pΛ0K+π+π−π+π−, pp→pΛ0K+π+π−π+π−π+π−, and pp→pΛ0K+π+π−π+π−π+π−π+π− at 27.5 GeV/ c. We present an empirical parametrization for Λ0 polarization as a function of xF and PT: P=(−0.443±0.037)xFPT for −1≤xF≤1 and 0≤PT≤1.8GeV/c. This parametrization is independent of the final state and provides a good description of the data. We note that the mechanism responsible for Λ0 polarization appears to be independent of the production mechanism.
The considerable polarization of hyperons produced at high xF has been known for a long time and has been interpreted with various theoretical models in terms of the constituents' spin. Recently, the analyzing power in inclusive Λ0 hyperon production has also been measured using the 200GeV/c Fermilab polarized proton beam. The covered kinematic range is 0.2≤xF≤1.0 and 0.1≤pT≤1.5GeV/c. The data indicate a negative asymmetry at large xF and moderate pT. These results can further test the current ideas on the underlying mechanisms for hyperon polarization.
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