We present predictions for the diffractive production of $\chi$ mesons in the central rapidity region usually covered by collider detectors. The predicted cross sections are based on the Bialas-Landshoff formalism for both exclusive and inclusive production and makes use of the DPEMC Monte-Carlo simulation adapted with kinematics appropriate for small-mass diffractive production. We compare generator-level results with a CDF measurement for exclusive $\chi$ production, and study background and other scenarios including the contribution of inclusive $\chi$ production. The results agree with the Tevatron data and are extrapolated, highlighting the exclusive $\chic$ production at LHC energies. A possible new measurement at the Tevatron using the D{ \O}forward detectors is investigated, taking advantage of the dominance of exclusive production for high enough diffractive mass fraction.
Categories: hep-ph