Production and Decay of the Lambda_c Charmed Baryon from Fermilab E791

TL;DR

This paper reports on the production asymmetry, polarization, and decay mechanisms of the Lambda_c charmed baryon, highlighting the significance of W exchange in its decay process based on Fermilab E791 data.

Contribution

It provides new experimental measurements of Lambda_c production asymmetry, polarization, and decay sub-channels, emphasizing the role of W exchange in charmed baryon decay.

Findings

Significant decay to Lambda_c --> Delta++ K- observed

Resonant sub-channel fractions and phases determined

Evidence for W exchange mechanism in decay

Abstract

Results are presented for the 500 GeV/c pion production asymmetry and polarization of the Lambda_c (anti-Lanbda_c) charmed baryon from Fermilab experiment E791. An analysis of the decay to the p anti-K pi final state is described. Resonant sub-channel fractions and phases are given and possible resonant effects in the low mass p anti-K system discussed. Significant decay to Lambda_c --> Delta++ K- establishes for the first time the importance of a W exchange mechanism in charmed baryon decay.