B. Mayer

The η-meson mass

Abstract The mass of the η meson has been measured through the study of the d p→ 3 He η reaction near threshold, the beam having been calibrated through comparison with three other nuclear reactions. The value obtained is m η =547.30±0.15 MeV/ c 2 , where the error bar includes both systematic and statistical effects. This is much more precise and significantly lower than the Particle Data Group average, through it is consistent with a previous counter experiment.

DIRC, the internally reflecting ring imaging Cherenkov detector for BABAR

The DIRC is a new type of Cherenkov imaging device that will be used for the first time in the BABAR detector at the asymmetric B-factory, PEP-II. It is based on total internal reflection and uses long, rectangular bars made from synthetic fused silica as Cherenkov radiator and light guide. The principles of the DIRC ring imaging Cherenkov technique are explained and results from the prototype program are presented. Its choice for the BABAR detector particle identification system is motivated, followed by a discussion of the quartz radiator properties and the detector design.

An internally reflecting Cherenkov detector (DIRC): properties of the fused silica radiators

The DIRC, a new type of ring-imaging Cherenkov detector that images internally reflected Cherenkov light, is being constructed as the main hadronic particle identification component of the BABAR detector at SLAC. The device makes use of 5 meter long fused silica (colloquially called quartz) bars, which serve both as the Cherenkov radiators and as light pipes for transmitting the light to an array of photo-multiplier tubes. This paper describes a program of research and development aimed at determining whether bars that meet the stringent requirements of the DIRC can be obtained from commercial sources. The results of studies of bulk absorption of fused silica, surface finish, radiation damage and bulk inhomogeneities are discussed.

Background measurements during PEP-II commissioning

A variety of background detectors were installed at the interaction point of PEP-II for measurements of machine backgrounds during commissioning. Results from these detectors, machine experiments, and simulations have been used to reduce the backgrounds at PEP-II before the installation of the BaBar physics detector.

First year operational experience with the Cherenkov detector (DIRC) of BaBar

The DIRC (acronym for Detection of Internally Reflected Cherenkov (light)) is a new type of Cherenkov ring imaging detector based on total internal reflection that is used for the first time in the BaBar detector at the PEP-II ring of SLAC. The Cherenkov radiators are long rectangular bars made of synthetic fused silica, the photon detector is a water tank equipped with an array of 10,752 conventional photomultipliers. The first year operational experience in the BaBar detector is presented using cosmic data and collision data in the energy region of the /spl Upsi/(4S) resonance.

Reactions {ital pd}{r_arrow}{sup 3}He{eta} and {ital pd}{r_arrow}{sup 3}He{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup {minus}} near the {eta} threshold

The reaction {ital pd}{r_arrow}{sup 3}He{eta} has been studied with the SPES2 spectrometer, for proton energies between 0.2 MeV and 11 MeV above threshold. The total cross section rises from 0.25 to 0.40 {mu}b in this region. The observed energy dependence can be attributed to the strong final state interaction. The angular distribution is nearly isotropic, consistent with {ital S} wave production. A measurement of the {ital pd}{r_arrow}{sup 3}He{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup {minus}} cross section in the threshold region is also presented. The setup, which is capable of producing 10{sup 5} tagged {eta}/s with only a few percent background, is used to investigate rare {eta} decays. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

The Reactions p d ---> He-3 eta and p d ---> He-3 pi+ pi- near the eta threshold

The reaction {ital pd}{r_arrow}{sup 3}He{eta} has been studied with the SPES2 spectrometer, for proton energies between 0.2 MeV and 11 MeV above threshold. The total cross section rises from 0.25 to 0.40 {mu}b in this region. The observed energy dependence can be attributed to the strong final state interaction. The angular distribution is nearly isotropic, consistent with {ital S} wave production. A measurement of the {ital pd}{r_arrow}{sup 3}He{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup {minus}} cross section in the threshold region is also presented. The setup, which is capable of producing 10{sup 5} tagged {eta}/s with only a few percent background, is used to investigate rare {eta} decays. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}