Spin dependent fragmentation functions for heavy flavor baryons and singleheavy hyperon polarization

Spin dependent fragmentation functions for heavy flavor quarks to fragment into heavy baryons are calculated in a quark-diquark model. The production of intermediate spin 1/2 and 3/2 excited states is explicity included. Lamb da (b), Lambda (c) and Xi (c) production rate and polarization at LEP energ ies are calculated and, where possible, compared with experiment. A differe nt approach, also relying on a heavy quark-diquark model, is proposed for t he small momentum transfer inclusive production of polarized heavy flavor h yperons. The predicted Lambda (c) polarization is roughly in agreement with experiment.