Scaling features of pi degrees-meson production in high-energy pp collisions

Inclusive pi degrees spectra of high-energy pp collisions are studied withi n the framework of the concept of z-scaling. The experimental data on the c ross section of pi degrees -meson production obtained at ISR are used for a nalysis. The scaling function psi (z) is constructed, and its properties, e nergy and angular independence, are found. The power law, psi (z) similar t o z(-alpha), of the scaling function over a high transverse momentum range is established. Based on the properties of z-scaling, the dependence of the cross section of pi (0)-mesons produced in pp collisions on transverse mom entum over a central rapidity range(eta = 0) at RHIC energies is predicted. It is suggested that we consider the violation of z-scaling as a signature of new physics. The results obtained would be of interest for future exper iments at RHIC, HERA, Tevatron and LHC in searching for new physics phenome na in pp, pA, and AA collisions.