Production of slow protons in the inclusive reactions p(π⁺) + n → p_slow + x AT 195 GeV/c

The inclusive reactions pn → p_s + x and π⁺n → p_s + x at incident momentum of 195 GeV/c have been studied in an exposure of the Fermilab 30 inch deuterium filled bubble chamber to a mixed (π⁺, p) beam. Analysing the t and M² dependence of our data within the framework of triple-Regge models we conclude that pion exchange yields a dominating contribution. Comparing our data with the pp results we conclude that isoscalar Regge exchange, ω, is much larger than isovector, ρ{variant}, Regge exchange. We observe significant leading π^- emission from the recoiling mass x, comparable to that observed in on-mass-shell π^-p → π^- experiments. This verifies our conclusions about pion-exchange dominance in the above reactions.