Exclusive photoproduction of $\phi$ meson in $\gamma p \to \phi p$ and $p p \to p \phi p$ reactions

Abstract

The amplitude for $\gamma p \to \phi p$ is calculated in a pQCD $k_{T}$ - factorization approach. The total cross section for this process is compared with HERA data. Total cross section, as a function of photon-proton energy and photon virtuality, is calculated. We also discuss the ratio of $\sigma_{L}$ / $\sigma_{T}$ and the dependence on the mass of the strange quark. The amplitude for $\gamma p \to \phi p$ is used to predict the cross section for exclusive photoproduction of $\phi$ meson in proton-proton collisions. Absorption effects are included. The results for RHIC, Tevatron and LHC energies are presented.