Production of Theta(1540) and Xi Pentaquark States in Proton-Proton Interactions

Abstract

The production of strange pentaquark states (e.g. Theta baryons and Xi^-- states) in hadronic interactions within a Gribov-Regge approach is explored. In this approach the Theta^+(1540) and the Xi Pentaquark are produced by disintegration of remnants formed by the exchange of pomerons between the two protons. We predict the rapidity and transverse momentum distributions as well as the 4 pi multiplicity of the Theta^+, Xi^--, Xi^-, Xi^0 and Xi^+ for sqrt{s} = 17 GeV (SPS) and 200 GeV (RHIC). For both energies more than 10^{-3} Theta^+ and more than 10^{-5} Xi per pp event should be observed by the present experiments.

Comments: Predictions for Xi Pentaquarks added. Phys. Lett. B in print