The reaction K −n → K −π+π−n at 12 GeV/ c

Abstract

The reaction K −n → K − π + π −n has been studied in the SLAC 82″ liquid deuterium bubble chamber with a beam momentum of 12 GeV/ c. Although the kinematic fit for this final state has only one constraint, nonetheless a reasonably pure sample has been obtained. The cross section for the reaction is 1.02 ± 0.10 mb. The process K − n → K ∗0 890 Δ − is observed with cross section 36 ± 9 μb and t-slope of 10 ± 2 (GeV/ c) −2. A kaon diffraction dissociation sample has been obtained, although the Q-signal is not so strong as in experiments with proton targets. Neutron dissociation into n π + π − is also observed with similar properties to those of proton dissociation into p π + π −, but with a broader t-distribution.