Reaction K−p→π0π0Λ was measured at eight incident K− momenta between 514 and 750MeV∕c using the Crystal Ball multiphoton spectrometer. The reaction dynamics are displayed in total cross sections, Dalitz plots, invariant-mass spectra, production angular distributions, and the Λ polarization. The π0π0Λ production is dominated by the π0Σ0(1385) intermediate state; no trace of other light Σ∗ states is observed, and the role of the f0(600) meson appears to be insignificant. A striking similarity is seen between K−p→π0π0Λ and π−p→π0π0n; this can be understood as a consequence of dynamical flavor symmetry.
Measured cross section. Statistical errors only.
Differential cross section for the di-pion system in the c.m. system for incident momenta 514 to 629 MeV.
Differential cross section for the di-pion system in the c.m. system for incident momenta 659 to 750 MeV.
Reaction K−p→π0π0Σ0 was measured with the Crystal Ball multiphoton spectrometer at eight K− momenta from 514 to 750MeV∕c. Dynamics and the energy dependence of the reaction are shown by Dalitz plots, invariant mass spectra, production angular distributions, and total cross sections. The dipion invariant-mass spectra for K−p→π0π0Σ0 show an enhancement in the low mass region; the opposite is the case for the K−p→π0π0Λ and π−p→π0π0n reactions. There is no direct evidence for a f0(600)-meson contribution to π0π0 production. Everywhere σt(K−p→π0π0Σ0)⪡σt(K−p→π0π0Λ).
Total cross section measurement. Statistical errors only.