K⁺-p and K^--p Total Cross Sections in the Momentum Range 3-19 BeV/c

The total cross sections of K⁺ and K^- mesons on protons have been measured between 3 and 19 BeV/c at the Brookhaven alternating gradient synchrotron. The data were obtained from measurements of attenuation in a liquid hydrogen target. The K mesons were defined in momentum by magnetic deflection and a scintillation counter telescope. They were identified by measuring the velocity with a high-pressure gas-filled Cerenkov counter. Values of the cross sections were obtained at intervals of ∼1 BeV/c with an error for each value of approximately 5%. σ_t(K⁺p) is, within errors, constant over the entire momentum range with a value of 18.4 mb. σ_t(K^-p) decreases gradually from a value of 28 mb at 4 BeV/c to 21.6 mb at 19 BeV/c. The cross sections are significantly different up to the highest momenta reached in this experiment.