The problem of the relation between double pomeron exchange in inclusive and exclusive experiments

The pionization region of the inclusive single-particle spectrum is accounted for by double pomeron exchange in the absorptive part of a six-point amplitude. In this paper a multiperipheral model for the six-point amplitude with double pomeron exchange is used for continuation by crossing and analyticity to the physical region of the exclusive two particle → four particle production process. The cross section for π^? p → π^?(π⁺π^?)p in the double-Regge region is then calculated and compared with the experimental analysis of Lipes, Zweig and Robertson which sets an upper bound to the strength of the double pomeron exchange coupling. This upper bound, coupled with the model for continuation to the inclusive cross section, is shown to give too small a magnitude for the double pomeron exchange in the pionization region. Further avenues for investigation are discussed.