We report on measurements of the differential π±p cross section at pion energies Tπ=32.7, 45.1, and 68.6 MeV. The measurements, covering the angular range 25°≤θlab≤123°, have been carried out at the Paul-Scherrer-Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, employing the magnet spectrometer LEPS. The absolute normalization of the π±p cross sections have been achieved by relating them to the electromagnetic cross sections of μ±12C scattering. The results are in agreement with those of our preceding measurements at Tπ=32.2 and 45.1 MeV insofar as they overlap with the region of the Coulomb nuclear interference investigated there. A comparison with the predictions of the Karlsruhe-Helsinki phase shift analysis KH80, which has formed the basis for the determination of the ‘‘experimental’’ σ term, reveals considerable deviations. These are most pronounced for the π+p cross sections at Tπ=32.7 and 45.1 MeV. Single energy partial wave fits result in S-wave contributions, which are about 1° lower in magnitude then those specified by the KH80 solution. The data at 68.6 MeV are in good agreement with the phase shift analysis.
Statistical and systematic errors are addet in quadrature.
Statistical and systematic errors are addet in quadrature.
Statistical and systematic errors are addet in quadrature.