In a new experiment we have obtained 3006 new events in the reaction π − p → φφ n, approximately doubling the statistics which now total 6658. A refined partial wave analysis of the φφ system again reveals three resonances (g T , g T′ , g T′' ) with I G J PC =0 + 2 ++ . The absence of the OZI suppression, and the observation of only three J PC =2 ++ states (g T , g T′ , g T′' ) which comprise virtually all the cross section are unusual characteristics of the data. The large φφn signal occurs over a mostly structureless and incoherent φK + K − n background. All these unusual characteristics are well explained if these states are produced by 1–3 glueballs (multigluon resonances).
Total cross section plus systematic error supplied by authors.
Absolute cross section based on total cross section of 50 +- 15 nb. Errors quoted in Table are statistical only.
We present data on 3652 analyzed events of the reaction π - p → φφn at 22 GeV/ c . A partial wave analysis has been performed on the φφ system. The results are well represented by three resonances all with quantum numbers I G J PC = 0 + 2 ++ . The absence of the Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka suppression observed in this reaction, the selection of only three J PC =2 ++ states ( g T , g T′ , and g T ″ ) which comprise virtually all of the cross section, and the large φφn signal over a very different φK + K - n background are all well explained if these states are produced by 1–3 glueballs (i.e. multigluon resonances).
Slope indicates pion exchange process.