Observation of the “K− pp”-like structure in the d(π+, K+) reaction at 1.69 GeV/c

We have observed a "$K^-pp$"-like structure in the $d(\pi^+,K^+)$ reaction at 1.69 GeV/$c$. In this reaction $\Lambda(1405)$ hyperon resonance is expected to be produced as a doorway to form the $K^-pp$ through the $\Lambda^*p\rightarrow K^-pp$ process. However, most of the produced $\Lambda(1405)$'s would escape from deuteron without secondary reactions. Therefore, coincidence of high-momentum ($>$ 250~MeV/$c$) proton(s) in large emission angles ($39^\circ<\theta_{lab.}<122^\circ$) was requested to enhance the signal-to-background ratio. A broad enhancement in the proton coincidence spectra are observed around the missing-mass of 2.27 GeV/$c^2$, which corresponds to the $K^-pp$ binding energy of 95 $^{+18}_{-17}$ (stat.) $^{+30}_{-21}$ (syst.) MeV and the width of 162 $^{+87}_{-45}$ (stat.) $^{+66}_{-78}$ (syst.) MeV.