Photoproduction of $J/\psi$ and $\Upsilon$ in pp and $\bar{p}p$ Collisions

Abstract

Exclusive vector meson photoproduction, $pp\to ppV$ and $\bar pp\to\bar ppV$ occurs with significant rates at hadron colliders. The reaction can be used to study the gluon distribution of protons. Vector mesons may be produced with either proton as a target; because of interference between the two production channels, the $p_T$ spectra of vector mesons produced in $pp$ and $\bar pp$ collisions are quite different. Because of the unique event signature, vector meson photoproduction can be separated from hadroproduction events, despite the small ratio of cross sections. We consider production of $J/\psi$ and $\Upsilon$ at RHIC, the Tevatron and the LHC.