Production of neutral strange particles K_S⁰ and Λ⁰ by 12-GeV protons on nuclear targets

Cross sections for the inclusive processes p+A→K_S⁰+X and p+A→Λ⁰+X (A=Be, Cu, and W) have been measured for incident protons at 12 GeV. Data are obtained at five laboratory production angles of 3.5°, 5.0°, 6.5°, 8.0°, and 9.5°, covering the kinematic range 0.3≤x_F≤0.8 and 0.4≤p_T≤1.3 GeV/c for K_S⁰’s and 0.2≤x_F≤0.9 and 0.4≤p_T≤1.7 GeV/c for Λ⁰’s. The results are discussed in terms of the p_T dependence, the x_F dependence, the A dependence, the cross-section ratio K_S⁰/Λ⁰, and triple-Regge behavior. The A dependence of K_S⁰ and Λ⁰ spectra is analyzed in the constituent-quark model. The average p_T ²’s of quarks and diquarks involved in the K_S⁰ and Λ⁰ production processes are discussed.