Production of $K*(892)^0$ and $\phi$(1020) in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ =7 TeV

Abstract

The production of K*(892)\).0\) and $\phi$.1020) in pp collisions at $\sqrt{s}$.7 TeV was measured by the ALICE experiment at the LHC. The yields and the transverse momentum spectra $d^2 N/dydp_T$ at midrapidity |y|<0.5 in the range 0 < $p_T$ < 6 GeV/c for K*(892)\).0\) and 0.4 < $p_T$ < 6 GeV/c for $\phi$.1020) are reported and compared to model predictions. Using the yield of pions, kaons, and Omega baryons measured previously by ALICE at $\sqrt{s}$.7 TeV, the ratios $K^*/K^-, \phi/K^*, \phi/K^-, \phi/\pi^-$. and $\Omega + anti-\Omega)/\phi$ are presented. The values of the $K^*/K^-, \phi/K^*$ and $\phi/K^-$ ratios are similar to those found at lower centre-of-mass energies. In contrast, the $\phi/\pi^-$ ratio, which has been observed to increase with energy, seems to saturate above 200 GeV. The $\Omega + anti-\Omega)/\phi$ ratio in the $p_T$ range 1-5 GeV/c is found to be in good agreement with the prediction of the HIJING/\).\bar{B}\) v2.0 model with a strong colour field.publishedVersio