,C12(p→,π±) reactions atTp=200 MeV

Abstract
The results of a comparative study of the (p13,π±) and (p12,π+) reactions at Tp=200 MeV and 30°≤θlabπ150° are reported. The isospin-dependence of the NN→NNπ processes inside nuclei is investigated by comparing cross sections and analyzing powers for the (p13,π±) continuum production to those for corresponding NN→NNπ processes in the free case. The comparison favors the dominance of a quasifree two-nucleon mechanism in nuclear pion production. Relative populations of discrete final states in the (p13,π±) spectra are compared, confirming the dominance of the two-nucleon mechanism and suggesting the identification of some high-spin states in the mirror nuclei C14 and O14. Cross-section and analyzing power angular distributions are presented for discrete final states populated strongly in (p13,π±) and (p12,π+) up to 24 MeV excitation energy. Cross-section data for a number of 12,13C(p,π+) transitions are compared to (p,π+) shell-model calculations employing the elementary pp→dπ+ amplitude along with realistic nuclear wave functions. Isolated anomalous features exhibited by strong 12,13C(p,π+) transitions to two highly excited discrete states in C13 and C14 are discussed and alternative possible interpretations for these states are presented.