Observation of the $K^-pp$-like structure in the $d(pi^+, K^+)$ reaction at 1.69 GeV/$c$

We have observed a $K^-pp$-like structure in the $d(pi^+,K^+)$ reaction at 1.69 GeV/$c$. In this reaction $Lambda(1405)$ hyperon resonance is expected to be produced as a doorway to form the $K^-pp$ through the $Lambda^*prightarrow K^-pp$ process. However, most of the produced $Lambda(1405)$s would escape from deuteron without secondary reactions. Therefore, coincidence of high-momentum ($>$ 250~MeV/$c$) proton(s) in large emission angles ($39^circ<theta_{lab.}<122^circ$) was requested to enhance the signal-to-background ratio. A broad enhancement in the proton coincidence spectra are observed around the missing-mass of 2.27 GeV/$c^2$, which corresponds to the $K^-pp$ binding energy of 95 $^{+18}_{-17}$ (stat.) $^{+30}_{-21}$ (syst.) MeV and the width of 162 $^{+87}_{-45}$ (stat.) $^{+66}_{-78}$ (syst.) MeV.