Transverse-momentum scaling in pi /sup +or-/, K/sup +or-/, p, p production in proton-proton inclusive reactions at very high energies

Experimental measurements made on pp reactions at CERN ISR are discussed. The dependence on transverse momentum is approximately exponential for pi /sup +or-/ and K/sup +or-/ production, while for antiprotons and protons in the fragmentation region the dependence is better represented by a Gaussian form. It is shown that a generalised formalism can be set up, similar to KNO scaling, for the transverse momentum distribution of the produced particles and the production process can be either exponential or Gaussian. (11 refs).