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

Abstract

The presently world largest data sample for π0→γe+e- decays studies containing nearly 5×105 events was collected using the WASA detector at COSY. A search for a dark photon U produced in the π0→γU→γe+e- decay from the pp→ppπ0 reaction was carried out. An upper limit on the square of the U-γ mixing strength parameter ε2 of 5×10-6 at 90% CL was obtained for the mass range 20 MeV<MU<100 MeV. This result together with other recent experimental limits significantly reduces the MU vs. ε2 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. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.