t-dependence and slope-mass correlation of the double-diffractive reaction pp $\rightarrow$(p$\pi^{+}\pi^{-}$) (p$\pi^{+}\pi{-}$ at the ISR

Experimental data on the reaction pp to (p pi /sup +/ pi /sup -/)(p pi /sup +/ pi /sup -/), collected at CERN intersecting storage rings using the split field magnet facility, are reported. An analysis of the results obtained at energies of 23, 31, and 53 GeV is presented. The general picture arising from the data on cross section behaviour, mass spectra, and differential distributions indicates the exchange of a factorizable pomeron as a suitable scheme for describing connections between single-and double-diffractive processes. (1 refs).