SINGLE SPIN ASYMMETRIES FOR LOW ENERGY π±'S AND FOR ρ MESONS AT RHIC ENERGIES

Abstract

The production asymmetry of both π and ρ mesons in the reaction p↑p→hX is calculated in a two-component model in which hadrons are produced by a nonperturbative recombination process and by fragmentation of quarks in the final state. Thomas precession in the recombination mechanism seems to be responsible of the single spin asymmetry. We obtain a good description of experimental data. Predictions of single spin asymmetries for ρ production at RHIC energies are presented.