X-ray transition yields of low-Z kaonic atoms produced in Kapton

Abstract

The X-ray transition yields of kaonic atoms produced in Kapton polyimide (C 22 H 10 N 2 O 5 ) were measured for the first time in the SIDDHARTA experiment. X-ray yields of the kaonic atoms with low atomic numbers ( Z = 6 , 7 , and 8) and transitions with high principal quantum numbers ( n = 5 – 8 ) were determined. The relative yields of the successive transitions in the same atoms and the yield ratios of carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) and carbon-to-oxygen (C:O) for the same transitions were also determined. These X-ray yields provide important information for understanding the capture ratios and cascade mechanisms of kaonic atoms produced in a compound material, such as Kapton.