Observation of the Decay Omega_C^0 --> Omega- e+ nu_e

TL;DR

This paper reports the first statistically significant observation of the Omega_c^0 baryon decay into Omega- e+ nu, using data from the CLEO detector, highlighting a rare decay mode involving beta emission without first-generation quark participation.

Contribution

First observation of Omega_c^0 decay into Omega- e+ nu in e+ e- collisions, demonstrating a baryon decay via beta emission with no first-generation quark involvement.

Findings

Observed 11.4 ± 3.8 events with high significance

Measured branching fraction times cross section as (42.2 ± 14.1 ± 5.7) fb

Determined decay ratio R = 0.41 ± 0.19 ± 0.04

Abstract

Using the CLEO detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we have observed the Omega_c (css ground state) in the decay Omega_c -> Omega- e+ nu. We find a signal of 11.4 +- 3.8 (stat) events. The probability that we have observed a background fluctuation is 7.6 x 10-5. We measure BF(Omega_c -> Omega- e+ nu) x sigma(e+ e- -> Omega_c X) = (42.2 +- 14.1 (stat) +- 5.7 (syst)) fb and R = Gamma(Omega_c -> Omega- pi+)/Gamma(Omega_c -> Omega- e+ nu) = 0.41 +- 0.19 (stat) +- 0.04 (syst). This is the first statistically significant observation of an individual decay mode of the Omega_c in e+ e- annhiliation, and the first example of a baryon decaying via beta-emmision, where no quarks from the first generation participate in the reaction.