A measurement of pp→π+π− and pp→K−K+ for small values of t and u at 3 and 4 GeV/c

Abstract We have measured with good statistics the differential cross section for p p →π + π − , K + K − around 0°. Our data and previous results show that the s -dependence of dσ/d t has a value compatible with the appropriate baryon exchange. The dip at u ≈ −0.15 (GeV/ c ) 2 , expected in p p →π − π + according to some models is not observed. Instead, a break in the slope of dσ/d u is seen for u ≈ −0.30 (GeV/ c ) 2 at 4 GeV/ c .