High-mass diffraction and Regge behavior of total cross sections

We consider a modified two-component model of particle production in which diffractive excitation into high mass states gives a contribution to K^±p, π^±p and pp total cross sections of sufficient magnitude and with the proper associated threshold to be a possible explanation of deviations of σ_tot from Regge pole model fits at Serpukhov energies. We present tests of the model. for K⁺p scattering by extrapolating σ_tot to National Accelerator Laboratory energies and by calculating the high mass diffraction contribution to the forward peak in inclusive reactions. The consistency of this scheme is discussed in relation to the pomeron intercept and the form of the triple-pomeron coupling.