Reggeized $K*(892)$ exchange in $π^- p \to K^0 Λ$ and implications for fixed-target measurements

Abstract

The two-body $π^-p\to K^0Λ$ reaction provides a clean channel for studying strangeness production and producing tagged hyperon $Λ$ samples. We describe its total cross section over the $π^-$ beam momentum 2.6 \leq p_{π,\lab}\leq6.0~\gev/c using a single Reggeized $t$-channel $K^*(892)$ exchange without polarization. We also examine the implications for future fixed-target measurements. An idealized event sample is used to determine the laboratory momentum and polar-angle distributions of the charged particles from $K_S^0\toπ^+π^-$ and $Λ\to pπ^-$. The $K_S^0$ decayed two pions are strongly forward, whereas the proton and pion from the $Λ$ decay extend to larger angles and lower momenta. These distributions provide a kinematic baseline for future acceptance and tracking studies.