Investigation of a (Kπ) mass enhancement near 1870 MeV in the reaction K-p→K-π+n at 10 and 16 GeV/c

An enhancement in the (K-π+) mass distribution at 1871 +- 10 MeV with full width of 285 +- 40 MeV is observed in the charge-exchange reaction K-p→K-π+n at 10 and 16 GeV/c. The energy dependence of its cross section, the shape of the differential cross section dsigma/dt and the decay angular distributions are consistent with a production mechanism by pion exchange. No significant enhancement at the same mass is seen in the non-charge exchange reaction K-p→(Kπ)-p. The experimental evidence is reviewed and it is suggested that there may be more than one K* enhancement in the 1700-1900 mass region. (Auth.)