Recent observation of p + p. -->. p + N*(1688) at CERN Intersecting Storage Rings and the nature of the Pomeron singularity

Recent experimental results on the exclusive reactions p + p ..-->.. p + N* at CERN ISR are analyzed for the case of N*(1688). The s dependence of the N*(1688) cross section is compared with that of the elastic and found to be remarkably similar, the sigma/sub N*/ remaining a constant fraction of sigma/sub el/ up to ISR energies. The interpretation of the data in terms of a bare Pomeron of intercept greater than one is discussed. (AIP)