# Measurements of $e p \to e' \pi^+ \pi^- p'$ Cross Sections with CLAS at $1.40 < W < 2.0$ GeV and $2.0 < Q^2 < 5.0$ GeV$^2$

## TL;DR

This study presents new measurements of exclusive $e p o e' \pi^+ \pi^- p'$ cross sections at high photon virtualities, extending the kinematic range and providing insights into nucleon resonance contributions.

## Contribution

First-time measurements of these cross sections at $Q^2$ between 2.0 and 5.0 GeV$^2$, covering a broad energy range and aiding resonance analysis.

## Key findings

- Resonant contributions increase with $Q^2$ below 1.74 GeV
- Data extend previous measurements to higher $Q^2$ and $W$
- Results support extraction of resonance electrocouplings above 1.6 GeV

## Abstract

This paper reports new exclusive cross sections for $e p \to e' \pi^+ \pi^- p'$ using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Laboratory. These results are presented for the first time at photon virtualities 2.0 GeV^2 < Q^2 < 5.0 GeV^2 in the center-of-mass energy range 1.4 GeV < W < 2.0 GeV, which covers a large part of the nucleon resonance region. Using a model developed for the phenomenological analysis of electroproduction data, we see strong indications that the relative contributions from the resonant cross sections at W < 1.74 GeV increase with $Q^2$. These data considerably extend the kinematic reach of previous measurements. Exclusive $e p \to e' \pi^+ \pi^- p'$ cross section measurements are of particular importance for the extraction of resonance electrocouplings in the mass range above 1.6 GeV.