Scaling features of π0-meson production in high-energy pp collisions

Inclusive π0 spectra of high-energy pp collisions are studied within the framework of the concept of z-scaling. The experimental data on the cross section of π0-meson production obtained at ISR are used for analysis. The scaling function ψ(z) is constructed, and its properties, energy and angular independence, are found. The power law, ψ(z)∼z-α, of the scaling function over a high transverse momentum range is established. Based on the properties of z-scaling, the dependence of the cross section of π0-mesons produced in pp collisions on transverse momentum over a central rapidity range (η = 0) at RHIC energies is predicted. It is suggested that we consider the violation of z-scaling as a signature of new physics. The results obtained would be of interest for future experiments at RHIC, HERA, Tevatron and LHC in searching for new physics phenomena in pp, pA, and AA collisions. (author)