X-ray transition yields of low-Z kaonic atoms produced in Kapton

TL;DR

This study measures the X-ray transition yields of low-Z kaonic atoms in Kapton for the first time, providing insights into their capture ratios and cascade mechanisms in compound materials.

Contribution

First measurement of X-ray yields of low-Z kaonic atoms in Kapton, revealing data crucial for understanding their formation and cascade processes.

Findings

X-ray yields for Z=6,7,8 kaonic atoms were determined.

Relative yield ratios of transitions and elemental ratios (C:N, C:O) were established.

Results inform models of kaonic atom capture and cascade mechanisms.

Abstract

The X-ray transition yields of kaonic atoms produced in Kapton polyimide (C22H10N2O5) were measured for the first time in the SIDDHARTA experiment. X-ray yields of the kaonic atoms with low atomic numbers (Z = 6, 7, and 8) and transitions with high principal quantum numbers (n = 5-8) were determined. The relative yield ratios of the successive transitions and those of carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) and carbon-to-oxygen (C:O) were also determined. These X-ray yields provide important information for understanding the capture ratios and cascade mechanisms of kaonic atoms produced in a compound material, such as Kapton.