Double $K_S^0$ Photoproduction off the Proton at CLAS

TL;DR

This paper reports the first photoproduction measurement of the $f_0$(1500) meson via decay into $K_S^0 K_S^0$ using CLAS, providing insights into its production mechanism and resonance properties.

Contribution

It presents the first data on $f_0$(1500) photoproduction via the $K_S^0 K_S^0$ channel, highlighting its production at low momentum transfer and suggesting a t-channel process.

Findings

Clear peak observed at 1500 MeV in $K_S^0 K_S^0$ invariant mass spectra

Peak production is enhanced at low momentum transfer ($t < 1.0$ GeV$^2$)

Data supports t-channel production mechanism for $f_0$(1500)

Abstract

The $f_0$(1500) meson resonance is one of several contenders to have significant mixing with the lightest glueball. This resonance is well established from several previous experiments. Here we present the first photoproduction data for the $f_0$(1500) via decay into the $K_S^0 K_S^0$ channel using the CLAS detector. The reaction $\gamma p$ -> $f_0 p$ -> $K_S^0 K_S^0 p$, where J = 0, 2, was measured with photon energies from 2.7 to 5.1 GeV. A clear peak is seen at 1500 MeV in the background subtracted invariant mass spectra of the two kaons. This is enhanced if the measured 4-momentum transfer to the proton target is restricted to be less than 1.0 GeV2. By comparing data with simulations, it can be concluded that the peak at 1500 MeV is produced primarily at low t, which is consistent with a t-channel production mechanism.