Abstract: In this paper we evaluate sources of background of the gamma p -> omega p reaction, with the omega detected through its pi(0)gamma decay channel, to compare with the experiment carried out at ELSA. We find background from gamma p -> pi(0)pi(0)p followed by decay of a pi(0) into two gamma, recombining one pi(0) and one gamma, and from the gamma p -> pi(0)eta p reaction with subsequent decay of the eta into two photons. This background accounts for the data at pi(0)gamma invariant masses beyond 700 MeV, but strength is missing at lower invariant masses which was attributed to photon misidentification events, which we simulate to get a good reproduction of the experimental background. Once this is done, we perform an event mixing simulation to reproduce the calculated background and we find that the method provides a good description of the background. A closer look reveals this is accidental. We show that the mixed event generated background in the region of the omega mass and beyond is completely tied to the events at low pi(0)gamma invariant masses where the d sigma/dM(pi 0 gamma) distribution is much larger. This has as a consequence that the mixed event method produces the same background at high invariant masses independently of the actual background in that region, as a consequence of which, the method is unsuited to give the background at energies around the peak of the omega and beyond.

Abstract: We present transverse momentum spectra, rapidity distribution and multiplicity of Lambda-hyperons measured with the HADES spectrometer in the reaction Ar(1.76A GeV) + KCl. The yield of Xi(-) is calculated from our previously reported Xi(-)/(Lambda+Sigma(0)) ratio and compared to other strange particle multiplicities. Employing a strangeness balance equation the multiplicities of the yet unmeasured Sigma(+/-)-hyperons can be estimated. Finally a statistical hadronization model is used to fit the yields of pi(-), K+, K-s(0), K-, phi, Lambda and Xi(-). The resulting chemical freeze-out temperature of T = (76 +/- 2) MeV is compared to the measured slope parameters obtained from fits to the transverse mass distributions of the different particles.

Abstract: The neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF features a white neutron source produced by spallation through 20 GeV/c protons impinging on a lead target. The facility, aiming primarily at the measurement of neutron-induced reaction cross sections, was operating at CERN between 2001 and 2004, and then underwent a major upgrade in 2008. This paper presents in detail all the characteristics of the new neutron beam in the currently available configurations, which correspond to two different collimation systems and two choices of neutron moderator. The characteristics discussed include the intensity and energy dependence of the neutron flux, the spatial profile of the beam, the in-beam background components and the energy resolution/broadening. The discussion of these features is based on dedicated measurements and Monte Carlo simulations, and includes estimations of the systematic uncertainties of the mentioned quantities.

Abstract: In this paper we examine the interaction of DN and D* N states, together with their coupled channels, by using an extension of the local hidden gauge formalism from the light meson sector, which is based on heavy quark spin symmetry. The scheme is based on the use of the impulse approximation at the quark level, with the heavy quarks acting as spectators, which occurs for the dominant terms where there is the exchange of a light meson. The pion exchange and the Weinberg-Tomozawa interactions are generalized and with this dynamics we look for states generated from the interaction, with a unitary coupled channels approach that mixes the pseudoscalar-baryon and vector-baryon states. We find two states with nearly zero width, which are associated to the I > (c) (2595) and I > (c) (2625). The lower state, with J (P) = 1/2(-), couples to DN and D* N, and the second one, with J (P) = 3/2(-), to D* N. In addition to these two I > (c) states, we find four more states with I = 0, one of them nearly degenerate in two states of J (P) = 1/2, 3/2. Furthermore we find three states in I = 1, two of them degenerate in J = 1/2, 3/2.

Abstract: We perform a calculation of the strong interaction effects between the B and D mesons in the B -> D nu l reaction, as a crossing process of reactions with BD in the final state, where the strong interaction between the mesons leads to a bound BD state. We find corrections to the tree level amplitude of the order of 15-25%. We further see the effect of the corrections studied in the R-D ratio for the rates of B -> D nu and B. D decays and find corrections of the order of 10%. Given the claims of 1.5% precision in this ratio from fits to data within the standardmodel, any theoretical model aiming at describing this ratio within the same precision must take into account the corrections described in the present work.