Measurement of Prompt D⁰, Λ_c+, and Σ_c ⁰, ⁺⁺ (2455) Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at √s = 13 TeV

The pT-differential production cross sections of prompt D0, Λc+, and Σc0,++(2455) charmed hadrons are measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in pp collisions at s=13 TeV. This is the first measurement of Σc0,++ production in hadronic collisions. Assuming the same production yield for the three Σc0,+,++ isospin states, the baryon-to-meson cross section ratios Σc0,+,++/D0 and Λc+/D0 are calculated in the transverse momentum (pT) intervals 2<pT<12 and 1<pT<24 GeV/c. Values significantly larger than in e+e- collisions are observed, indicating for the first time that baryon enhancement in hadronic collisions also extends to the Σc. The feed-down contribution to Λc+ production from Σc0,+,++ is also reported and is found to be larger than in e+e- collisions. The data are compared with predictions from event generators and other phenomenological models, providing a sensitive test of the different charm-hadronization mechanisms implemented in the models.