Production of vector mesons by real and virtual photons at high energies

Abstract

A model based on Reggeon field theory is used for the description of the photo- and electroproduction of vector mesons ($\rho^0, \omega, \phi, J /\psi$) on the proton. Its main feature is the dependence of the Pomeron intercept on the virtuality of the photon. The few parameters of the model were determined by fitting the total cross sections for real and virtual photons on the proton. This allows a parameter-free description of the energy dependence of vector meson production. Very good agreement with the existing high energy data is obtained.