Charge asymmetry in inelastic π−p interactions at 205 GeV/c for particles with transverse momentum > 1.0 GeVc

Abstract In 205 GeV / c π − p inelastic interactions, negative particles with transverse momentum greater than 1.0 GeV / c moving forward in the center of mass outnumber similar positive particles by a factor of 3.7 to 1, greatly in excess of the corresponding ratio for small transverse momentum. The asymmetry is reversed in the backward direction. The forward asymmetry is most prominent in 2-, 4-, and 6-prong interactions, but both forward and backward asymmetries are also substantial for higher multiplicity interactions.