Definite evidence for physically incomprehensible inequality $\sigma_{tot}(e^+e^- \to n \bar n) > \sigma_{tot}(e^+e^- \to p \bar p)$

TL;DR

This paper presents evidence that the total cross section for neutron-antineutron production exceeds that for proton-antiproton production in electron-positron annihilation, contradicting expectations based on mass and form factors.

Contribution

It provides the first evidence of an unexpected inequality in cross sections using a novel unitary and analytic approach to existing form factor data.

Findings

$\sigma_{tot}(e^+e^- o n ar n) > \sigma_{tot}(e^+e^- o p ar p)$ confirmed

Contradicts intuitive expectations based on mass and form factors

Uses a unitary and analytic approach to analyze existing data

Abstract

Though the neutron mass is larger than the proton mass and obviously one expects in $e^+e^-$ annihilation a creation of more $p \bar p$ pairs in comparison with $n \bar n$ at the same energy, just the opposite inequality for the corresponding total cross sections $\sigma_{tot}(e^+e^- \to n \bar n) > \sigma_{tot}(e^+e^- \to p \bar p)$ has been revealed in the analysis of only the present time existing proton electromagnetic form factors data by the unitary and analytic approach.