Vector meson production in hypercharge exchange reactions at 7 and 11.5 GeV/c

Results are presented on vector meson production in the hypercharge exchange reactions: π+p→K∗+(890)Y+ and K−p→ρ−Y+ where Y+ is either Σ+ or Y∗+(1385). These reactions have been studied at 7 GeV/c and 11.5 GeV/c using the SLAC Hybrid Facility. Total and differential cross sections, hyperon polarization, and vector meson decay angular distributions are presented. We find that reactions with Σ+ production are dominated by natural parity exchange. The Y∗(1385) reactions are consistent with substantial natural parity exchange contributions but also show significant unnatural parity exchange. The differential cross sections and polarization measurements for the vector meson production are compared to the pseudoscalar production reactions.