A study of the centrally produced K * (892)K̄ * (892) and φω systems in pp interactions at 450 GeV/c

Abstract A study of the reactions pp → p f p s ( K + K − π + π − ) and pp → p f p s ( K + K − π + π − π 0 ) shows evidence for the K ∗ (892) K ∗ (892) and φω channels respectively. The K ∗ (892) K ∗ (892) mass spectrum shows a broad distribution with a maximum near threshold and an angular analysis shows that it is compatible with having J P =2 + . The behaviour of the cross-section as a function of centre of mass energy, and the four momentum transfer dependence, are compatible with what would be expected if the K ∗ (892) K ∗ (892) system was produced via double Pomeron exchange. The dP T behaviour of the φω channel is similar to what has been observed for all the undisputed q q states. In contrast, the dP T behaviour of the K ∗ (892) K ∗ (892) final state is similar to what has been observed for the φφ final state and for previously observed glueball candidates.