First observation of $γγ\to p \bar{p} K^+ K^-$ and search for exotic baryons in $pK$ systems

Abstract

The process $γγ\to p \bar{p} K^+ K^-$ and its intermediate processes are measured for the first time using a 980~fb$^{-1}$ data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy $e^+e^-$ collider. The production of $p \bar{p} K^+ K^-$ and a $Λ(1520)^0~(\barΛ(1520)^0)$ signal in the $pK^-$~($\bar{p} K^+$) invariant mass spectrum are clearly observed. However, no evidence for an exotic baryon near 1540~MeV/$c^2$, denoted as $Θ(1540)^0$~($\barΘ~(1540)^0$) or $Θ(1540)^{++}$~($Θ(1540)^{--}$), is seen in the $p K^-$~($\bar{p}K^+$) or $pK^+$~($\bar{p} K^-$) invariant mass spectra. Cross sections for $γγ\to p \bar{p} K^+ K^-$, $Λ(1520)^0 \bar{p} K^+ +c.c.$ and the products $σ(γγ\to Θ(1540)^0 \bar{p} K^+ +c.c.)\BR(Θ(1540)^0 \to p K^{-})$ and $σ(γγ\to Θ(1540)^{++} \bar{p} K^- +c.c.)\BR(Θ(1540)^{++}\to p K^{+})$ are measured. We also determine upper limits on the products of the $χ_{c0}$ and $χ_{c2}$ two-photon decay widths and their branching fractions to $p \bar{p} K^+ K^-$ at the 90\% credibility level.

9 pages, 9 figures