We report on the first measurement of exclusive Xi-(1321) hyperon photoproduction in gamma p --> K+ K+ Xi- for 3.2 < E(gamma) < 3.9 GeV. The final state is identified by the missing mass in p(gamma,K+ K+)X measured with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Laboratory. We have detected a significant number of the ground-state Xi-(1321)1/2+, and have estimated the total cross section for its production. We have also observed the first excited state Xi-(1530)3/2+. Photoproduction provides a copious source of Xi's. We discuss the possibilities of a search for the recently proposed Xi5-- and Xi5+ pentaquarks.
Cross section averaged over the energy range 3.2 to 3.9 GeV.
The pp→ppη reaction is studied at energies near the η production threshold. The total cross sections at nominal machine energies of 1260, 1265, and 1300 MeV are 90±15, 790±120, and 3460±690 nb, respectively. None of the existing perturbative model calculations reproduces the energy dependence, which deviates strongly from phase space. This suggests that the cross section is enhanced in the near vicinity of the production threshold by a large η−pp scattering length.
No description provided.