The behavior in momentum transfer of the differential cross sections for (exclusive) inelastic diffraction dissociation processes is examined. Cross sections for pairs of reactions related to each other by $t$-channel charge conjugation (line reversal) may exhibit crossover phenomena near $t = - 0.2$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^2$ similar to elastic scattering. Detailed predictions for crossovers are developed based on the pion-exchange Deck model and are contrasted with expectations obtained from an analogy with the Regge phenomenology of elastic scattering. The two sets are not always in agreement. Experimental checks are proposed. Quantitative values of slopes and integrated cross sections are derived from the Reggeized Deck model for $Kp\to K^{*}\pi p$, and for the charge-exchange reaction $Kp\to K^{*}\pi n$; these are presented as a function of energy. Selections on decay angles in the rest frame of the low-mass excited system are described as a method for isolating the $\pi$-exchange Deck graph.

• Received 30 December 1974

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.11.3214