Search For the Rare Decay KL → π0π0γ
- Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (United States)
This thesis describes a search for the rare decay KL → π0π0γ using data from the KTeV experiment, using the topology KL → π0π$$0\atop{D}$$γ (where π$$0\atop{D}$$ → γe+e-). Due to Bose statistics and the real nature of the photon, the KL → π0π0γ decay can proceed at lowest order only by the Cp conserving direct emission of an E2 photon. The decay vanishes to O(p4) in chiral perturbation theory and is a probe of the theory to the sixth order. The primary background to this decay consists of KL → π0π$$0\atop{D}$$ events with one lost photon. The upper limit for the decay KL π0π0γ presented in this thesis is 2.32 x 10-7 at the 90% confidence level. This upper limit was derived from both 1997 and 1999 data, using a blind analysis. The upper limit was derived from a Feldman-Cousins method, based on a weighted total of 0.53 data events in the signal region with an expected KL → π0π0π$$0\atop{D}$$ background of 0.37 ± 0.28 events. The previous upper limit for this decay was 5.6 x 10-6 at the 90% confidence level.
- Research Organization:
- Fermi National Accelerator Lab. (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-07CH11359
- OSTI ID:
- 897170
- Report Number(s):
- FERMILAB-THESIS-2006-20; TRN: US0701418
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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