First observation of γ γ → p p ¯ K + K - and search for exotic baryons in p K systems
The process γ γ → p p ¯ K + K - and its intermediate processes are measured for the first time using a 980 fb - 1 data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e - collider. The production of p p ¯ K + K - and a Λ ( 1520 ) 0 ( Λ ¯ ( 1520 ) 0 ) signal in the p K - ( p ¯ K + ) invariant mass spectrum are clearly observed. However, no evidence for an exotic baryon near 1540 MeV / c 2 , denoted as Θ ( 1540 ) 0 ( Θ ¯ ( 1540 ) 0 ) or Θ ( 1540 ) + + ( Θ ( 1540 ) - -- ), is seen in the p K - ( p ¯ K + ) or p K + ( p ¯ K - ) invariant mass spectra. Cross sections for γ γ → p p ¯ K + K - , Λ ( 1520 ) 0 p ¯ K + + c . c . and the products σ ( γ γ → Θ ( 1540 ) 0 p ¯ K + + c . c . ) B ( Θ ( 1540 ) 0 → p K - ) and σ ( γ γ → Θ ( 1540 ) + + p ¯ K - + c . c . ) B ( Θ ( 1540 ) + + → p K + ) are measured. We also determine upper limits on the products of the χ c 0 and χ c 2 two-photon decay widths and their branching fractions to p p ¯ K + K - at the 90% credibility level.