First observation of quantum interference in the process phi -> KS KL ->pi+pi-pi+pi-: a test of quantum mechanics and CPT symmetry

TL;DR

This paper reports the first observation of quantum interference in a specific kaon decay process, using data from the KLOE detector, to test quantum mechanics and CPT symmetry, finding no deviations and setting new limits on violations.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental evidence of quantum interference in phi -> KS KL -> pi+pi-pi+pi- decays, testing fundamental symmetries with improved limits.

Findings

No deviations from quantum mechanics observed.

New limits set on decoherence parameters.

Enhanced constraints on CPT violation.

Abstract

We present the first observation of quantum interference in the process phi -> KS KL ->pi+pi-pi+pi-. This analysis is based on data collected with the KLOE detector at the e^+e^- collider DAFNE in 2001--2002 for an integrated luminosity of about 380pb^-1. Fits to the distribution of Delta t, the difference between the two kaon decay times, allow tests of the validity of quantum mechanics and CPT symmetry. No deviations from the expectations of quantum mechanics and CPT symmetry have been observed. New or improved limits on various decoherence and CPT violation parameters have been obtained