Observation of double φ-meson production in the central region for the reaction pp→pf(K+K−K+K−)ps at 300 GeV/c

Abstract The reaction pp→p f (K + K − K + K − )p s in which the K + K − K + K − system is centrally produced has been studied at 300 GeV/ c . φφ production has been observed and the ratio σ (φK + K − )/ σ ( φφ ) is 1.0±0.3. The cross section for central production of φφ is found to be the same at 300 GeV/ c and 85 GeV/ c . An angular analysis of the φφ system favours J P =2 + over 0 − .