Test of isospin symmetry via low energy $^1$H($pi^-$,$pi^o$)$n$ charge exchange


Abstract in English

We report measurements of the $pi^- p to pi^o n$ differential cross sections at six momenta (104-143 MeV/c) and four angles (0-40 deg) by detection of $gamma$-ray pairs from $pi^o to gamma gamma$ decays using the TRIUMF RMC spectrometer. This region exhibits a vanishing zero-degree cross section from destructive interference between s-- and p--waves, thus yielding special sensitivity to pion-nucleon dynamics and isospin symmetry breaking. Our data and previous data do not agree, with important implications for earlier claims of large isospin violating effects in low energy pion-nucleon interactions.

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