Search for K- p → π0 π0 π0 Λ from threshold to pk- = 750 MeV/c

M. Borgh, S. Prakhov, B. M. K. Nefkens, C. E. Allgower, V. Bekrenev, W. J. Briscoe, M. Clajus, J. R. Comfort, K. Craig, D. Grosnick, D. Isenhower, N. Knecht, D. Koetke, A. Koulbardis, N. Kozlenko, S. Kruglov, G. Lolos, I. Lopatin, D. M. Manley, R. ManweilerA. Marušić, S. McDonald, J. Olmsted, Z. Papandreou, D. Peaslee, N. Phaisangittisakul, M. Sadler, A. Shaft, H. Spinka, T. D. S. Stanislaus, A. Starostin, H. M. Staudenmaier, I. Supek, W. B. Tippens

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Abstract

The results of a search for K- p → π0 π0 π0 Λ (where the 3π0,s are not from η-meson decay) are presented. The data were obtained with the Crystal Ball spectrometer at eight beam momenta from 514 to 750 MeV/c. For the six beam momenta below pk- = 714 MeV/c, no signal was found; the 90% C.L. upper limit obtained for the K- p → 3 π0 Λ total cross section σt varies between 2 and 7 μb. This small upper limit is indicative that spontaneous π0 emission is insignificant, since the K- p → π0 π 0 π0 Λ threshold is at pk- = 397 MeV/c. A signal was observed only at pk- = 750 MeV/c, with σt = 25±7 μb. These results can be explained only if triple π0 production goes predominantly by hyperon resonance deexcitation, K- p → ∑* → π 0Λ*. There are several candidates for the ∑* but only one for the Λ*, namely, the Λ(1520)3-/2, as the threshold for K- p → π0 Λ (1520) is p k- = 704 MeV/c.

Original languageEnglish
Article number015206
Pages (from-to)152061-152066
Number of pages6
JournalPhysical Review C - Nuclear Physics
Volume68
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2003

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