Polarized $q\to \Lambda$ Fragmentation Functions from $e^{+}{e}^{-}\to \Lambda +X^{\ast }$

Abstract

Measurement of the helicity asymmetric cross section for semi-inclusive production of $\Lambda$-hyperons in $e^{+}{e}^{-}$ annihilation near the $Z^0$ resonance allows a complete determination of the spin-dependent fragmentation functions for the different quark flavors into the $\Lambda$. The parity violating, self analyzing, decay of the final state $\Lambda$ makes the experimental analysis of the helicity asymmetry possible. This experiment should be practical with present day technology at the LEP collider at CERN or at SLC at SLAC.

Comments: 10 pages, MIT PREPRINT CTP#2186