Multiplicity cross sections for 100 GeV/c $\pi^{-}$p interactions

Charged particle multiplicity cross sections for 100 GeV/c pi /sup -/p inelastic interactions are presented and compared with results at other energies. The results for multiplicities n>or=4 show a consistent trend in their energy dependence. The two-prong cross section curve differs as it tends to flatten off at the higher energies. The zero-prong cross section values decrease steeply as p /sup -1.1//sub lab/. The results for n>or=2 for pi /sup -/p and pp reactions appear to lie on a 'universal' curve if n sigma /sub n// sigma /sub inel/ is plotted against (n)/n. This 'scaling' rule is equivalent to KNO scaling, but the plot suggested here is more useful in studying low multiplicities. An interpretation in terms of a two- component model and a possible extrapolation to higher energies are proposed. (12 refs).