Reggeized $K*(892)$ exchange in $π^- p \to K^0 Λ$ and implications for fixed-target measurements

Abstract

The two-body \(π^-p\to K^0Λ\) reaction provides a clean channel for studying strangeness production and producing tagged hyperon \(Λ\) samples. We describe its total cross section over the $π^-$ beam momentum \(2.6 \leq p_{π,\lab}\leq6.0~\gev/c\) using a single Reggeized \(t\)-channel \(K^*(892)\) exchange without polarization. We also examine the implications for future fixed-target measurements. An idealized event sample is used to determine the laboratory momentum and polar-angle distributions of the charged particles from \(K_S^0\toπ^+π^-\) and \(Λ\to pπ^-\). The \(K_S^0\) decayed two pions are strongly forward, whereas the proton and pion from the \(Λ\) decay extend to larger angles and lower momenta. These distributions provide a kinematic baseline for future acceptance and tracking studies.