Total cross section for pd → pd π° close to threshold

Abstract

A measurement of the total cross section for the reaction pd + pdxo very close to threshold has been carried out at the IUCF Cooler. The deuteron with its known "nuclear structure" is the simplest system where pion production on nuclei can be investigated and mechanisms other than the quasi-free production may become important. In this contribution the experimental setup and the data analysis are described. Total cross sections for pd -+ pdn' in the range 0.1 e 1 < 1.0 are reported.