Search for a dark photon in the π0→e+e-γ decay

Abstract The presently world largest data sample for π 0 → γ e + e − decays studies containing nearly 5 × 10 5 events was collected using the WASA detector at COSY. A search for a dark photonU produced in the π 0 → γ U → γ e + e − decay from the p p → p p π 0 reaction was carried out. An upper limit on the square of the U − γ mixing strength parameter ϵ 2 of 5 × 10 − 6 at 90% CL was obtained for the mass range 20 MeV M U 100 MeV . This result together with other recent experimental limits significantly reduces the M U vs . ϵ 2 parameter space which could explain the presently seen deviation between the Standard Model prediction and the direct measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon.