Polarized $q\to\Lambda$ Fragmentation Functions from $e^+e^-\to\Lambda+X^*$

Abstract

Measurement of the helicity asymmetric cross section for semi-inclusive production of $\Lambda$-hyperons in $e^+e^-$ annihilation near the $Z^0$ resonance allows a complete determination of the spin-dependent fragmentation functions for the different quark flavors into the $\Lambda$. The parity violating, self analyzing, decay of the final state $\Lambda$ makes the experimental analysis of the helicity asymmetry possible. This experiment should be practical with present day technology at the LEP collider at CERN or at SLC at SLAC.