Theoretical Analysis of the $p \bar{p}\rightarrow \pi^0 e^+ e^-$ Process within a Regge Framework

TL;DR

This paper employs a Regge framework to analyze the $par{p} o \pi^0 e^+ e^-$ process, aiming to constrain nucleon form factors and predict observables relevant for PANDA@FAIR experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a Regge pole model for the annihilation process and validates it against existing photon production data, extending the analysis to virtual photons.

Findings

Regge model reproduces existing photon production data well

Provides predictions for $e^+e^-$ angular distributions and cross sections

Offers constraints on timelike nucleon form factors

Abstract

We study the annihilation process $p\bar{p} \to \pi^0 e^+ e^-$ within a Regge framework, as a means to provide constraints on timelike nucleon form factors. We present results for the $e^+e^-$ angular distributions and the differential cross sections in kinematics which will be accessible by PANDA@FAIR. To check the consistency of the model, we first test the approach on the process of real photon production, $\bar{p} p \to \pi^0 \gamma$, where data in the energy range of 2.911 GeV$\leq\sqrt{s} \leq 3.686$ GeV exist. We find that a Regge pole model is able to well reproduce the available data. The analysis is then extended to a timelike virtual photon in the final state.