Semi-inclusive {lambda} and K{sub S} production in p-Au collisions at 17.5 GeV/c

The first detailed measurements of the centrality dependence of strangeness production in p-A collisions are presented. {lambda} and K{sub S} dn/dy distributions from 17.5 GeV/c p-Au collisions are shown as a function of ''grey'' track multiplicity and the estimated number of collisions, {nu}, made by the proton. The {nu} dependence of the {Lambda} yield deviates from a scaling of p-p data by the number of participants, increasing faster than this scaling for {nu} {le} 5 and saturating for larger {nu}. A slower growth in K{sub S} multiplicity with {nu} is observed, consistent with a weaker {nu} dependence of KK-bar production than YK production.