C. Civinini

We search for neutral heavy leptons that are isosinglets under the standard SU (2)L gauge group. Such neutral heavy leptons are expected in many extensions of the standard model. Three types of heavy leptons Ne, Nμ, Nτ associated with the three neutrino types ve, vμ, vτ have been directly searched for and no evidence for a signal has been found. We set the limit Br(NSu0 → vℓNℓ) < 3 x 10−5 at the 95% CL for mass range from 3 GeV up to Mz.

We present a study of jet multiplicities based on 37 000 hadronic Z0 boson decays. From this data we determine the strong coupling constant αs=0.115±0.005 (exp.)−0.010+0.012 (theor.) to second order QCD at √s=91.22GeV.

The characteristics of the L3 hadron calorimeter as realized in the observation of hadronic jets and other events from e+e− collisions at LEP are presented and discussed. The pattern-recognition algorithm utilizing the fine granulatiry of the calorimeter is described, and the observed overall resolution of 10.2% for hadron jets from Z decay is reported. The use of the calorimeter in providing information on muon energy losses is also noted.

We present a study of the inclusive production of neutral pions and charged particles from 112 000 hadronic Z0 decays. The measured inclusive momentum distributions can be reproduced by parton shower Monte Carlo programs and also by an analytical QCD calculation. Comparing our results to e+e− data between √s = 9 and 91 GeV, we findfind that the evolution of the spectra with center of mass energy is consistent with the QCD predictions.

The formation of the η′ in the reaction e+e−→e+e−η′→e+e−π+π−γ has been measured by the L3 detector at a centre-of-mass energy of 91GeV. The radiative width of the η′ has been found to be Γγγ=4.17±0.10(stat.)±0.27(sys.)keV. The Q2 dependence of the η′ formation cross section has been measured for Q2≤10GeV2 and the η′ electromagnetic transition form factor has been determined. The form factor can be parametrised by a pole form with Λ=0.900±0.046(stat.)±0.022(sys.)GeV. It is also consistent with recent non-perturbative QCD calculations.

The structure of hadronic events fromZ 0 decay is studied by measuring event shape variables, factorial moments, and the energy flow distribution. The distributions, after correction for detector effects and initial and final state radiation, are compared with the predictions of different QCD Monte Carlo programs with optimized parameter values. These Monte Carlo programs use either the second order matrix element or the parton shower evolution for the perturbative QCD calculations and use the string, the cluster, or the independent fragmentation model for hadronization. Both parton shower andO(α 2 s matrix element based models with string fragmentation describe the data well. The predictions of the model based on parton shower and cluster fragmentation are also in good agreement with the data. The model with independent fragmentation gives a poor description of the energy flow distribution. The predicted energy evolutions for the mean values of thrust, sphericity, aplanarity, and charge multiplicity are compared with the data measured at different center-of-mass energies. The parton shower based models with string or cluster fragmentation are found to describe the energy dependences well while the model based on theO(α 2 s calculation fails to reproduce the energy dependences of these mean values.

We have measured the decay properties of Z0 → bb from a study of inclusive muon and electron events. The average (e and μ) b-quark semileptonic branching ratio has been determined to be BR (b → ℓ + X) = 0.119 ± 0.003 (stat.) ± 0.006 (syst.), assuming the standard model prediction of Γbb = 378 ± 3 MeV. From the ratio of the number of dilepton events to single lepton events, we find BR (b → ℓ + X) = 0.113 ± 0.010 (stat.) ± 0.006 (syst.), without assumptions on Λbb. The partial decay width of the Z0 into bb has been measured to be Λbb = 385 ± 7 (stat.) ± 11 (syst.) MeV with an additional 19 MeV error from the uncertainty in BR (b → ℓ + X). The average fractional energy of bottom hadrons in Z0 → bb events has been determined to be 〈xE〉 = 0.686 ± 0.006 (stat.) ± 0.016 (syst.).

We have made a precise measurement of the cross section for e+e−→Z0→hadrons with the L3 detector at LEP, covering the s range from 88.28 to 95.04 GeV. From a fit to the Z0 mass, total width, and the hadronic cross section to be MZ0=91.160 ± 0.024 (experiment) ±0.030(LEP) GeV, ΓZ0=2.539±0.054 GeV, and σh(MZ0)=29.5±0.7 nb. We also used the fit to the Z0 peak cross section and the width todetermine Γinvisible=0.548±0.029 GeV, which corresponds to 3.29±0.17 species of light neutrinos. The possibility of four or more neutrino flavors is thus ruled out at the 4σ confidence level.

We have searched for scalar muons μ, scalar electrons ẽ, and winos W̃ from the reactions e+e− →ẽ+ẽ−, μ+μ−, W̃+W̃− at √s ∼ 91 GeV with an integrated luminosity of 157 nb −1. We have searched for μ+μ−, e+e−, or e−μ final states with missing transverse momentum PT > 6 GeV. These final states are signatures for the production of ẽ, μ, and W̃. We found no events. Our results are Mμ > 41 GeV, Mẽ > 41 GeV, and MW̃ > 44 GeV at the 95% confidence level.

We have studied the reactionse + e −→hadrons,e + e −, μ+ μ− and τ+ τ−, in the energy range 88.2 $$ \leqq \sqrt s \leqq 94.2$$ GeV. A total luminosity of 5.5 pb−1, corresponding to approximately 115000 hadronic and 10000 leptonicZ 0 decays, has been recorded with the L3 detector. From a simultaneous fit to all of our measured cross section data, we obtain assuming lepton universality: $$\begin{gathered} M_z = 91.181 \pm 0.010 \pm 0.02 (LEP) GeV, \hfill \\ \Gamma _z = 2501 \pm 17 MeV, \hfill \\ \Gamma _{had} = 1742 \pm 19 MeV, \Gamma _t = 83.6 \pm 0.8 MeV. \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$ If we do not assume lepton universality, we obtain for the partial decay widths of theZ 0 intoe + e − μ+ μ− and τ+ τ−: $$\begin{gathered} \Gamma _e = 83.3 \pm 1.1 MeV, \Gamma _\mu = 84.5 \pm 2.0 MeV, \hfill \\ \Gamma _\tau = 84.0 \pm 2.7 MeV. \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$ From the measured ratio of the invisible and the leptonic decay widths of theZ 0, we determine the number of light neutrino species to beN v =3.05±0.10. We include our measurements of the forward-backward asymmetry for the leptonic channels in a fit to determine the vector and axial-vector neutral current coupling constants of charged leptons to theZ 0. We obtain $$\bar g_V = - 0.046_{ - 0.012}^{ + 0.015}$$ and $$\bar g_A = - 0.500 \pm 0.003$$ . In the framework of the Standard Model, we estimate the top quark mass to bem t =193 −69 +52 ±16 (Higgs) GeV, and we derive a value for the weak mixing angle of sin2θ W =1−(M W /M Z )2=0.222 ± 0.008, corresponding to an effective weak mixing angle of $$\sin ^2 \bar \theta _W = 0.2315 \pm 0.0025$$ .

We present a study of the global event shape variables thrust and heavy jet mass, of energy-energy correlations and of jet multiplicities based on 250 000 hadronic Z0 decays. The data are compared to new QCD calculations including resummation of leading and next-to-leading logarithms to all orders. We determine the strong coupling constant αs (91.2 GeV) = 0.125±0.003 (exp) ± 0.008 (theor). The first error is the experimental uncertainty. The second error is due to hadronization uncertainties and approximations in the calculations of the higher order corrections.

Proton imaging is not yet applied as a clinical routine, although its advantages have been demonstrated. In the context of quality assurance in proton therapy, proton images can be used to verify the correct positioning of the patient and to control the range of protons. Proton computed tomography (pCT) is a 3D imaging method appropriate for planning and verification of proton radiation treatments, because it allows evaluating the distributions of proton stopping power within the tissues and can be directly utilized when the patient is in the actual treatment position. The aim of the PRoton IMAging experiment, supported by INFN, and the PRIN 2006 project, supported by MIUR, is to realize a proton computed radiography (pCR) prototype for reconstruction of proton images from a single projection in order to validate the technique with pre-clinical studies and, eventually, to conceive the configuration of a complete pCT system. A preliminary experiment performed at the 250 MeV proton synchrotron of Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) allowed acquisition of experimental data before the completion of PRIMA project's prototype. In this paper, the results of the LLUMC experiment are reported and the reconstruction of proton images of two phantoms is discussed.

In a search for the Standard Model Higgs boson, carried out on 212.5 pb-1 of data collected by the L3 detector at the highest LEP centre-of-mass energies, including 116.5 pb-1 above root(s) = 206GeV, an excess of candidates for the process e+e- -> Z* -> HZ is found for Higgs masses near 114.5GeV. We present an analysis of our data and the characteristics of our strongest candidates.

We analyse e+e−→ττγ events using 100pb−1 of data collected by the L3 experiment during the 1991-1995 LEP runs at the Z pole. From the energy of the photons and their isolation from the tau decay products, we determine the anomalous magnetic and electric dipole moments of the tau to be, respectively: aτ=0.004±0.027±0.023;dτ=(0.0±1.5±1.3)×10−16e·cm.This is a direct measurement of these τ form factors at q2=0.

We present a study of 4200 4-jet events from Z0 boson decays. The measured angular correlations between jets are reproduced well by QCD. An alternative abelian model fails to describe the data.

We have measured the properties of Z0 → bb decays using a sample of 944 inclusive muon events, corresponding to 18 000 hadron events obtained with the L3 detector at LEP. We measured the partial decay width of the Z0 into bb, Γbb=353±48 MeV, and we determined the vector coupling of the Z0 to the b quark; grmv2(b)=0.095±0.047. We measured the forward-backward charge asymmetry in e+e− → bb events at √s≈Mv, and obtained Abb=13.3±9.9%.

We present the results from a search for the light neutral scalar Higgs boson h° and the pseudoscalar Higgs boson A° of the minimal super-symmetric standard model. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to 71 000 hadronic Z° decays recorded with the L3 detector at LEP. No evidence for the existence of the neutral Higgs bosons h° and A° has been found. The region of h° and A° masses up to 41.5 GeV is excluded at 95% confidence level.

This paper describes the development of a proton Computed Tomography (pCT) apparatus able to reconstruct a map of stopping power useful for accurate proton therapy treatment planning and patient positioning. This system is based on two main components: a silicon microstrip tracker and a YAG:Ce crystal calorimeter. Each proton trajectory is sampled by the tracker in four points: two upstream and two downstream the object under test; the particle residual energy is measured by the calorimeter. The apparatus is described in details together with a discussion on the characterization of the hardware under proton beams with energies up to 175 MeV.

Using a data sample of 1 475 000 Z → qq̄(γ) events collected during 1994 with the L3 detector at LEP, we have studied the purely leptonic decays of heavy flavour mesons, Ds− → τ−ντ and B− → τ−ντ. A signal is observed in the invariant mass distribution M(γDs−) corresponding to the decay sequence D∗− → γDs−, Ds− → τ−ντ, τ− → l−νlντ. The branching fraction for Ds− → τ−ντ decays is measured to be β(Ds− → τ−ντ) = 0.074 ± 0.028(stat) ± 0.016(syst) ± 0.018(norm). No signal of B− → τ−ντ decays is observed in the data, corresponding to an upper limit on the branching franction β(B− → τ−ντ) < 5.7 × 10−4 at 90% CL.

The measurements of hadron and lepton-pair production cross sections and leptonic forward–backward asymmetries performed with the L3 detector at centre-of-mass energies between 130 GeV and 189 GeV are used to search for new physics phenomena such as: contact interactions, exchange of virtual leptoquarks, scalar quarks and scalar neutrinos, effects of TeV strings in models of quantum gravity with large extra dimensions and non-zero sizes of the fermions. No evidence for these phenomena is found and new limits on their parameters are set.

We report the result of a search for charginos and neutralinos, in e+e− collisions at 189 GeV centre-of-mass energy at LEP. No evidence for such particles is found in a data sample of 176 pb−1. Improved upper limits for these particles are set on the production cross sections. New exclusion contours in the parameter space of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model are derived, as well as new lower limits on the masses of these supersymmetric particles. Under the assumptions of common gaugino and scalar masses at the GUT scale, we set an absolute lower limit on the mass of the lightest neutralino of 32.5 GeV, and a limit on the mass of the lightest chargino of 67.7 GeV for M2<2TeV.

We present a study of the inclusive production of π0, η, Ks0 and Λ based on 929,000 hadronic Z decays recorded with the L3 detector at LEP. The measured inclusive momentum distributions have been compared with predictions from parton shower models as well as an analytical Quantum Chromodynamics calculation. Comparing to low energy e+e- data, we find that QCD describes the energy evolution of the hadron spectrum.

We report on the measurement of the leptonic and hadronic cross sections and leptonic forward-backward asymmetries at theZ peak with the L3 detector at LEP. The total luminosity of 40.8 pb−1 collected in the years 1990, 1991 and 1992 corresponds to 1.09·106 hadronic and 0.98·105 leptonicZ decays observed. These data allow us to determine the electroweak parameters. From the cross sections we derive the properties of theZ boson: $$\begin{gathered} M_Z = 91195 \pm 9MeV\Gamma _{\rm Z} = 2494 \pm 10MeV \hfill \\ \Gamma _{had} = 1748 \pm 10MeV\Gamma _\ell = 83.49 \pm 0.46MeV \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ assuming lepton universality. We obtain an invisible width of Γinv=496.5±7.9 MeV which, in the Standard Model, corresponds to a number of light neutrino species ofN v=2.981±0.050. Using also the three leptonic forward-backward asymmetries and the average tau polarization, we determine the effective vector and axial-vector coupling constants of the neutral weak current to charged leptons to be: $$\bar g^\ell v = - 0.0378_{ - 0.0042}^{ + 0.0045} \bar g^\ell _A = - 0.4998 \pm 0.0014.$$ Within the framework of the Standard Model, and including our measurements of the $$Z \to b\bar b$$ forward-backward asymmetry and partial decay width, we derive an effective electroweak mixing angle of $$sin^2 \bar \theta _W = 0.2326 \pm 0.0012$$ . We obtain an estimate for the strong coupling constant, αS=0.142 ± 0.013 and for the top-quark mass,m t =158 −40 +32 ±19(Higgs) GeV, where the second error arises due to the uncertainty in the Higgs-boson mass.

The results of the searches for neutral Higgs boson production in the process e+e− → Z∗ H0 are reported, focusing on Higgs boson masses below 70 GeV. The data sample consists of three million hadronic Z0 decays collected by the L3 experiment at LEP from 1991 through 1994. No signal is found leading to a lower limit on the mass of the Standard Model Higgs boson of 60.2 GeV at 95% C.L. These results are also interpreted in the framework of the General Two Doublet Model and limits on the nonstandard Higgs boson production through the process e+e− → Z∗h0 are set. A lower limit of 66.7 GeV at 95% C.L. is obtained for the case where the Higgs decays into an invisible final state.

Proton Computed Tomography (pCT) is a medical imaging technique based on the use of proton beams with energies above 200 MeV to directly measure stopping power distributions inside the tissue volume. Prima (PRoton IMAging) is an Italian collaboration working on the development of a pCT scanner based on a tracker and a calorimeter to measure single protons trajectory and residual energy. The tracker is composed of four planes of silicon microstrip detectors to measure proton entry and exit positions and angles. Residual energy is measured by a calorimeter composed of YAG:Ce scintillating crystals. A first prototype of pCT scanner, with an active area of about 5×5 cm2, has been constructed and characterized with 60 MeV protons at the INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Catania (Italy) and with 180 MeV protons at Svedberg Laboratory, Uppsala (Sweden). A new pre-clinical prototype with an extended active area up to 20×5 cm2, real time data acquisition and a data rate up to 1 MHz is under development. A description of the two prototypes will be presented together with first results concerning tomographic image reconstruction.

A first prototype of proton Computed Tomography (pCT) scanner, made of four planes and a calorimeter, has been developed by the PRIMA (PRoton IMAging) Italian collaboration and first results concerning tomographic image reconstruction of experimentally acquired data are discussed in this paper. The Filtered Back-Projection (FBP) algorithm was used to reconstruct projections of a phantom acquired with a 62 MeV proton beam. Image noise and spatial resolution were assessed for different parameters of the filter used, with and without selection strategies on proton directions. A satisfactory image quality (0.88 mm resolution and 2.5% noise) was achieved even when the backprojection line was defined using only the line connecting the impact points on the second and third planes and all the data were used, irrespective of the proton direction and residual energy. Probably due to the specific detector-phantom arrangement used in this experiment and due to the substantial reduction of the number of useful events, cuts on proton directions did not increase the image resolution significantly. The results confirm the good performances of the PRIMA scanner prototype. They also demonstrate that FBP can produce images of sufficient quality to be used for patient positioning and to initialize iterative pCT reconstruction methods.

Recent theories propose that quantum gravity effects may be observable at LEP energies via gravitons that couple to Standard Model particles and propagate into extra spatial dimensions. The associated production of a graviton and a photon is searched for as well as the effects of virtual graviton exchange in the processes: e+e- -> gamma gamma, ZZ, WW, mu mu, tau tau, qq and ee No evidence for this new interaction is found in the data sample collected by the L3 detector at LEP at centre-of-mass energies up to 183 GeV. Limits close to 1 TeV on the scale of this new scenario of quantum gravity are set.

The hadronic photon structure function Fγ2 is studied in the reaction e+e−→e+e−hadrons at LEP with the L3 detector. The data, collected from 1991 to 1995 at a centre-of-mass energy s≃91 GeV, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 140 pb−1. The photon structure function Fγ2 is measured in the Q2 interval 1.2 GeV2 ≤Q2≤9.0 GeV2 and the x interval 0.002<x<0.2. Fγ2 shows a linear growth with lnQ2. The value of the slope α−1dFγ2(Q2)/dlnQ2 is measured to be 0.079±0.011±0.009.

The production of c and b quarks in gamma-gamma collisions is studied with the L3 detector at LEP with 410 pb^-1 of data, collected at centre-of-mass energies from 189 GeV to 202 GeV. Hadronic final states containing c and b quarks are identified by detecting electrons or muons from their semileptonic decays. The cross sections sigma(e+e- -> e+e- c c~ X) and sigma(e+e- -> e+e- b b~ X) are measured and compared to next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations. The cross section of b production is measured in gamma-gamma collisions for the first time. It is in excess of the QCD prediction by a factor of three.

We have searched for neutralinos produced via the reactions e+e− → χχ′ and e+e−→ χ′χ′, where the next-to lightest neutralino, χ′, decays into the lightest neutralino, χ, and either a photon or a fermion pair. Based on 1.8 × 106 hadronic Z decays collected with the L3 detector at LEP, no signal has been observed. We present upper limits of a few times 10−5 on the branching ratios Z → χχ′ and Z → χ′χ′. In the framework of the Minimial Supersymmetric Standard Model, we exclude a lightest χ with mχ less than 18 GeV, if either tan β > 2 or the gluino mass m≈g > 100 GeV.

The e+e−→e+e−KS0K±π∓ and e+e−→e+e−ηπ+π− final states are studied with the L3 detector at LEP using data collected at centre-of-mass energies from 183 GeV up to 202 GeV. The mass spectrum of the K0SK±π∓ final state shows an enhancement around 1470 MeV, which is identified with the pseudoscalar meson η(1440). This state is observed in γγ collisions for the first time and its two-photon width is measured to be Γγγ(η(1440))×BR(η(1440)→KK̄π)=212±50 (stat.)±23 (sys.) eV. Clear evidence is also obtained for the formation of the axial vector mesons f1(1420) and f1(1285). In the ηπ+π− channel the f1(1285) is observed, and upper limits for the formation of η(1440) and η(1295) are obtained.

We present a study of the structure of hadronic events recorded by the L3 detector at center-of-mass energies of 130 and 136 GeV. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 5 pb−1 collected during the high energy run of 1995. The shapes of the event shape distributions and the energy dependence of their mean values are well reproduced by QCD models. From a comparison of the data with resummed O(αs2) QCD calculations, we determine the strong coupling constant to be αs(133 GeV) = 0.107 ± 0.005(exp) ± 0.006(theor).

We present a study of energy-energy correlations based on 83 000 hadronic Z0 decays. From this data we determine the strong coupling constant αs to second order QCD: αs(91.2 GeV)=0.121±0.004(exp.)±0.002(hadr.)−0.006+0.009(scale)±0.006(theor.) from the energy-energy correlation and αs(91.2 GeV)=0.115±0.004(exp.)−0.004+0.007(hadr.)−0.000+0.002(scale)−0.005+0.003 (theor.) from its asymmetry using a renormalization scale μ1=0.1 s. The first error (exp.) is the systematic experimental uncertainly, the statistical error is negligible. The other errors are due to hadronization (hadr.), renormalization scale (scale) uncertainties, and differences between the calculated second order corrections (theor.).

The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) is one of the experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) under construction at CERN. Its inner tracking system consist of the world largest Silicon Strip Tracker (SST). In total it implements 24,244 silicon sensors covering an area of 206m2. To construct a large system of this size and ensure its functionality for the full lifetime of 10 years under LHC condition, the CMS collaboration developed an elaborate design and a detailed quality assurance program. This paper describes the strategy and shows first results on sensor qualification.

We have measured the partial widths of the Z0 into lepton pairs, and the forward-backward charge asymmetry for the process e+e−→μ+μ− using the L3 detector at LEP. We obtain an average Γℓℓ of 83.0±2.1±1.1 MeV.From this result and the asymmetry measurement, we extract the values of the vector and axial vector couplings of the Z0 to leptons: grmv=−0.066−0.027+0.046 and grmA= −0.495−0.007+0.007.

Proton radiation therapy is a precise form of cancer therapy, which requires verification of the patient position and the accurate knowledge of the dose delivered to the patient. At present in the proton treatment centre, patients are positioned with X-ray radiography and dose calculations rely on the patient's morphology and electron densities obtained by X-ray computed tomography [U. Schneider, E. Pedroni, Med. Phys. 22 (1995) 353]. A proton imaging device can improve the accuracy of proton radiation therapy treatment planning and the alignment of the patient with the proton beam. Our collaboration has developed a pCR prototype consisting of a silicon microstrip tracker and a calorimeter to detect the residual energy [R. Shulte, et al., IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. 51 (2004) 866–872]. In this contribution we will show some results obtained testing the front-end board of the tracker and measurements performed at LNS (Laboratori Nazionali del Sud) and in LLUMC (Loma Linda University Medical Centre) using 60 and 200 MeV proton beams to test the calorimeter.

<para xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> Today, there is a steadily growing interest in the use of proton beams for tumor therapy, as they permit to tightly shape the dose delivered to the target reducing the exposure of the surrounding healthy tissues. Nonetheless, accuracy in the determination of the dose distribution in proton-therapy is up to now limited by the uncertainty in stopping powers, which are presently calculated from the photon attenuation coefficients measured by X-ray tomography. Proton computed tomography apparatus (pCT) has been proposed to directly measure the stopping power and reduce this uncertainty. Main problem with proton imaging is the blurring effect introduced by multiple Coulomb scattering: single proton tracking is a promising technique to face this difficulty. As a first step towards a pCT system, we designed a proton radiography (pCR) prototype based on a silicon microstrip tracker (to characterize particle trajectories) and a segmented YAG:Ce calorimeter (to measure their residual energy). Aim of the system is to detect protons with a <emphasis emphasistype="italic"><formula formulatype="inline"><tex Notation="TeX">$\sim$</tex></formula></emphasis>1 MHz particle rate of and with kinetic energy in the range 250–270 MeV, high enough to pass through human body. Design and development of the pCR prototype, as well as the characterization of its single components, are described in this paper. </para>

In this paper the use of the Filtered Back Projection (FBP) Algorithm, in order to reconstruct tomographic images using the high energy (200–250 MeV) proton beams, is investigated. The algorithm has been studied in detail with a Monte Carlo approach and image quality has been analysed and compared with the total absorbed dose. A proton Computed Tomography (pCT) apparatus, developed by our group, has been fully simulated to exploit the power of the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit. From the simulation of the apparatus, a set of tomographic images of a test phantom has been reconstructed using the FBP at different absorbed dose values. The images have been evaluated in terms of homogeneity, noise, contrast, spatial and density resolution.

This paper reports on the activity of the INFN PRIMA/RDH collaboration in the development of proton Computed Tomography (pCT) systems based on single proton tracking and residual energy measurement. The systems are made of a silicon microstrip tracker and a YAG:Ce crystal calorimeter to measure single protons trajectory and residual energy, respectively.

Extra spatial dimensions are proposed by recent theories that postulate the scale of gravity to be of the same order as the electroweak scale. A sizeable interaction between gravitons and Standard Model particles is then predicted. Effects of these new interactions in boson and fermion pair production are searched for in the data sample collected at centre-of-mass energies above the Z pole by the L3 detector at LEP. In addition, the direct production of a graviton associated with a Z boson is investigated. No statistically significant hints for the existence of these effects are found and lower limits in excess of 1 TeV are derived on the scale of this new theory of gravity.

The K0s K0s final state in two-photon collisions is studied with the L3 detector at LEP. The mass spectrum is dominated by the formation of the f_2'(1525) tensor meson in the helicity-two state with a two-photon width times the branching ratio into K Kbar of 76 +- 6 +- 11 eV. A clear signal for the formation of the f_J(1710) is observed and it is found to be dominated by the spin-two helicity-two state. No resonance is observed in the mass region around 2.2 GeV and an upper limit of 1.4 eV at 95% C.L. is derived for the two-photon width times the branching ratio into K0s K0s for the glueball candidate xi(2230).

The reaction e+e− → e+e−γ∗γ∗ → e+e− hadrons is analysed using data collected by the L3 detector during the LEP runs at s = 130−140 GeV and s = 161 GeV. The cross sections σ(e+e− → e+e− hadrons) and σ(γγ → hadrons) are measured in the interval 5 ≤ Wγγ ≤ 75 GeV. The energy dependence of the σ(γγ → hadrons) cross section is consistent with the universal Regge behaviour of total hadronic cross sections.

Single and multi-photon events with missing energy are analysed using data collected with the L3 detector at LEP at a centre-of-mass energy of 189 GeV, for a total of 176 pb^{-1} of integrated luminosity. The cross section of the process e+e- -> nu nu gamma (gamma) is measured and the number of light neutrino flavours is determined to be N_\nu = 3.011 +/- 0.077 including lower energy data. Upper limits on cross sections of supersymmetric processes are set and interpretations in supersymmetric models provide improved limits on the masses of the lightest neutralino and the gravitino. Graviton-photon production in low scale gravity models with extra dimensions is searched for and limits on the energy scale of the model are set exceeding 1 TeV for two extra dimensions.

Measurements of the two-photon interaction e+e− → e+e− + hadrons at s≃ 91GeV and s≃ 183GeV are presented. The double-tag events, collected with the L3 detector, correspond to interated luminosities of 140 pb−1 at 91 GeV and 52 pb−1 at 183 GeV. The cross-section of γ∗γ∗ collisions has been measured at 〈Q2〉 = 3.5 GeV2 and 〈Q2〉 = 14 GeV2. The data agree well with predictions based on perturbative QCD, while the Quark Parton Model alone is insufficient to describe the data.

From the analysis of the reactions e+e−→l+l−(nγ) (l=e,μ,τ) we observe four events, one e+e−γγ and three μ+μ−γγ, with the invariant mass of the photon pairs close to 60 GeV. These events were selected from a data sample collected in the L3 detector corresponding to 950 000 produced Z0's. More data are necessary to ascertain the origin of these events.

We have searched for lepton flavour violation in Z boson decays into lepton pairs using all data collected with the L3 detector during the 1990, 1991 and 1992 runs on an event sample corresponding to 1 500 000 Z's produced. At the 95% confidence level the upper limits on the branching ratio for Z→eμ is 0.6×10−5 and for Z→μτ this is 1.9×10−5.

We report a measurement of Rb= ΓbbΓhad from Z→qq events at LEP. Z→bb events are identified using a multidimensional analysis based on a neural network approach. We obtain 60% sample purity with an efficiency of 35%. Our measured value of Rb is 0.222±0.003±0.007.

We have measured the cross section for e+e−→hadrons over the center of mass energy range of the Z0 peak, from 88.22 to 95.03 GeV. We determine the Z0 mass Mz=91.164±0.013 (experiment) ±0.030 (LEP) GeV. Within the framework of the standard model we determine the invisible width, Γinvisible=0.502±0.018 GeV, and the number of light neutrino species, Nν=3.01±0.11. We exclude the existence of a supersymmetric scalar neutrino having a mass less than 31.4 GeV, at the 95% confidence level. We performed a model independent combined fit to the e+e−→hadrons and e+e−→μ+μ− data to determine total width, leptonic width and hadronic width of the Z0.

We have observed B0-B0 mixing in Z0→bb decays using hadronic events containing dileptons. The data sample corresponds to 118 200 hadron events at √s≈Mz. From a fit to the dilepton p and p⊥ spectra, we determine the mixing parameter to be χB=0.178−0.040+0.049.

Hadron therapy for tumor treatment is nowadays used in several medical centres. The main advantage in using protons or light ions beams is the possibility of tightly shaping the radiation dose to the target volume. Presently the spatial accuracy of the therapy is limited by the uncertainty in stopping power distribution, which is derived, for each treatment, from the photon attenuation coefficients measured by X-ray tomography. A direct measurement of the stopping powers will help in reducing this uncertainty. This can be achieved by using a proton beam and a detection system able to reconstruct a tomography image of the patient. As a first step towards such a system an apparatus able to perform a proton transmission radiography (pCR) has been designed. It consists of a silicon microstrip tracker, measuring proton trajectories, and a YAG:Ce calorimeter to determine the particle residual energy. Proton beam and laboratory tests have been performed on the system components prototypes: the main results will be shown and discussed.

In this paper a proton Computed Radiography (pCR) apparatus for medical applications, realized by PRIMA (PRoton IMAging) Italian Collaboration, is described. The system is oriented to acquire tomography images and meets clinical demands for the use of protons in radiotherapy treatments. The approach proposed here is based on ‘single proton tracking’ method with Most Likely Path (MLP) reconstruction of the single particle. A pCR prototype, with a field of view of about 5×5 cm2 and an acquisition time of the order of 10 s (10 kHz, 105 events), has been developed and tested with a 62 MeV proton beam at the INFN-Laboratori Nazionali del Sud (LNS). The apparatus architecture will be described and first proton radiographies will be shown.

The reaction e+e−→e+e−γ∗γ∗→e+e−hadrons for quasi-real photons is studied using data from s=183 GeV up to 202 GeV. Results on the total cross sections σ(e+e−→e+e−hadrons) and σ(γγ→hadrons) are given for the two-photon centre-of-mass energies 5 GeV⩽Wγγ⩽185 GeV. The total cross section of two real photons is described by a Regge parametrisation. We observe a steeper rise with the two-photon centre-of-mass energy as compared to the hadron–hadron and the photon–proton cross sections. The data are also compared to the expectations of different theoretical models.

We report on the measurement of W-boson pair-production with the L3 detector at LEP at a centre-of-mass energy of 161.34 GeV. In a data sample corresponding to a total luminosity of 11 pb−1, we select four-fermion events with high invariant masses of pairs of hadronic jets or leptons. Combining all final states, the measured total cross section for W-pair production is: sigmaWW = 2.89−0.70+0.81(stat.) ± 0.14 (syst.) pb. Within the Standard Model, this corresponds to a mass of the W boson of: MW = 80.80−0.42+0.48 (exp.) ± 0.03 (LEP) GeV. Limits on anomalous triple-vector-boson couplings are derived.

A search for the Standard Model Higgs boson has been performed with the L3 detector at LEP. The data sample was collected at three centre-of-mass energies, 161.3, 170.3 and 172.3 GeV with integrated luminosities of 10.8, 1.0 and 9.2 pb, respectively. No Higgs signal is observed. In combination with previous data taken at the Z resonance, a lower Higgs mass limit, MH > 69.5 GeV, is obtained at 95% confidence level.

We measure Bose-Einstein correlations between like-sign charged pion pairs in hadronic Z decays with the L3 detector at LEP. The analysis is performed in three dimensions in the longitudinal center-of-mass system. The pion source is found to be elongated along the thrust axis with a ratio of transverse to longitudinal radius of $0.81\pm 0.02 ^{+0.03}_{-0.19}$.

The search for an additional heavy gauge boson Z′ is described. The models considered are based on either a superstring-motivated E6 or on a left-right symmetry and assume a minimal Higgs sector. Cross sections and asymmetries measured with the L3 detector in the vicinity of the Z resonance during the 1990 and 1991 running periods are used to determine limits on the Z-Z′ gauge boson mixing angle and on the Z′ mass. For Z′ masses above the direct limits, we obtain the following allowed ranges of the mixing angle, θM at the 95% confidence level: −0.004 ⪕ θM⪕ 0.015 for the χ model, −0.003 ⪕ θM⪕ 0.020 for the ψ model, −0.029 ⪕ θM⪕ 0.010 for the η model, −0.002 ⪕ θM⪕ 0.020 for the LR model,

Total and differential cross sections for the process e+e− → γγ(γ), and the total cross section for the process e+e− → γγγ, are measured at energies around 91 GeV using the data collected with the L3 detector from 1991 to 1993. We set lower limits, at 95% CL, on a contact interaction energy scale parameter Λ > 602 GeV, on the mass of an excited electron me∗>146GeV and on the QED cut-off parameters Λ+ > 149 GeV and Λ_ > 143 GeV. Upper limits are also set o branching fractions of Z decaying into γγ, π° and ηγ of 5.2 × 10−5, 5.2 × 10−5 and 7.6 × 10−5 respectively. The reactions e+e− → ℓ+ℓ−nγ (ℓ = e, μ, τ) are studied using the data collected from 1990 to 1994. The data are consistent with the QED expectations.

We have searched for direct leptoquark production in Z0 decays from a scan of the Z0 resonance, in the energy range 88.2 ⩽ √s ⩽ 94.2 GeV, using 5.2 pb−1 of data. We exclude the existence of scalar leptoquarks with masses less than 41 to 44 GeV, depending on the charge assignments, at the 95% confidence level.

Anomalous couplings of the Higgs boson are searched for through the processes e^+ e^- -> H gamma, e^+ e^- -> e^+ e^- H and e^+ e^- -> HZ. The mass range 70 GeV < m_H < 190 GeV is explored using 602 pb^-1 of integrated luminosity collected with the L3 detector at LEP at centre-of-mass energies sqrt(s)=189-209 GeV. The Higgs decay channels H -> ffbar, H -> gamma gamma, H -> Z\gamma and H -> WW^(*) are considered and no evidence is found for anomalous Higgs production or decay. Limits on the anomalous couplings d, db, Delta(g1z), Delta(kappa_gamma) and xi^2 are derived as well as limits on the H -> gamma gamma and H -> Z gamma decay rates.

We have measured the forward-backward asymmetry in Z0→bb decays using hadronic events containing muons and electrons. The data sample corresponds to 118 200 hadronic events at √s≈Mz. From a fit to the single and dilepton p and P⊥ spectra, we determine Abb=0.130−0.042+0.044 including the correction for B0−B0 mixing.

We present a set-up for proton computed tomography (pCT), composed of a microstrip silicon tracker and a YAG:Ce calorimeter, able to directly measure the relative stopping power (RSP) maps to be used in hadron therapy. The system, tested with an electron density phantom at the Trento proton Therapy Center, is able to correlate measured and expected RSP with discrepancies of the order of 1% or less. Furthermore, pCT tomographies of an anthropomorphous head phantom taken with our device, when compared with x-ray CT images of the same object, evidence a significant reduction of artifacts induced by titanium spinal bone prosthesis and tungsten dental filling.

We present a study of the structure of hadronic events recorded by the L3 detector at LEP at the center of mass energies of 161 and 172 GeV. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 21.25 pb−1 collected during the high energy runs of 1996. The distributions of event shape variables and the energy dependence of their mean values are well reproduced by QCD models. From a comparison of the data with resummed O(αs2) QCD calculations, we determine the strong coupling constant at the two energies. Combining this with our earlier measurements we find that the strong coupling constant decreases with increasing energy as expected in QCD.

With a data sample of 86 000 Z → τ+τ−(γ) events collected in 1990 through 1993 we have measured the polarization of τ-leptons as a function of the production polar angle using the following 1-prong τ decay modes: τ−→e−vevτ, τ−→π−(K−)vτ, τ−→ϱ−vτandτ−→a1−vτ. We obtain for the ratio vector to axial-vector weak neutral couplings for electrons gVe/gAe=0.0791±0.0099(stat)±0.0025 (syst) and taus gVτ/gAτ=0.0752±0.0063 (stat)±0.0045 (syst) consistent with the hypothesis of e - τ universality. Assuming universality of the e - τ neutral current we determine the effective electroweak mixing angle to be sin2 θeffw = 0.2309 ± 0.0016.

We have measured the ratio of the strong coupling constants αs for bottom quarks and light quarks at the Z0 resonance, in order to test the flavour independence of the strong interaction. The coupling strength αs has been determined from the fraction of events with three jets, measured for a sample of all hardronic events, and for inclusive muon and electron events. The b purity is evaluated to be 22% for the first data set and 87% for the inclusive lepton sample. We find αs(b)αs(udsc)=1.00± 0.05 (stat.)±0.06 (syst.).

We have measured the forward-backward asymmetry in e+e−→bband e+e−→cc processes using hadronic events containing muons or electrons. The data sample corresponds to 4100000 hadronic decays of the Z0. From a fit to the single lepton and dilepton p and pT spectra, we determine Abb=0.086±0.015±0.007andAcc=0.083±0.038±0.027 at the effective center-of-mass energy √s=91.24 GeV. These measurements yield a value of the electroweak mixing angle sin2θw=0.2336±0.0029.

We report on inclusive xc production in Z decays reconstructed via the decay mode Xc → J + γ. This analysis is based on 1.1 million hadronic Z events. Interpreting the observed signal as Xcl, we obtain a branching ratio Br(Z→ Xcl + X) = (7.5±2.9(stat.) ±0.6(sys.)) × 10−3. Assuming all events are produced in b decays we obtain Br(b→ Xcl + X) = (2.4 ± 0.9(stat.) ±0.2(sys.)) × 10−2. We also present an improved measurement of the branching ratio Br(Z → J + X) = (3.6 ± 0.5 (stat.) ± 0.4 (sys.)) × 10−3, obtained from dileptonic J decays.

We report on a general search for neutral and charged Higgs bosons with no assumption that the Higgs sector consists of a single doublet as in the minimal standard model. No signal inconsistent with background is observed in any of the decay channels analysed. From the results of direct searches, model independent limits on Higgs bremsstrahlung and on Higgs pair production from the Z0 are presented. We interpret the bremsstrahlung limits in the general two-doublet model. Z0 lineshape measurements further restrict the parameter space available in the two-doublet model. Finally, the results are interpreted in the framework of the minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model.

We have searched for the pair produced charged Higgs particles in the decays of Z0 for the decay channels of H+H−→τ+ντ−ν, H+H−→τνcs andH+H−→cscs. The data sample analyzed corresponds to approximately 50 000 hadronic decays of Z0. A lower limit of 36.5 GeV is obtained at the 95% confidence level for the mass of charged Higgs particle, independent of its decay branching ratio.

We report on measurements of the triple-gauge-boson couplings of the W boson in e+e− collisions with the L3 detector at LEP. W-pair, single-W and single-photon events are analysed in a data sample corresponding to a total luminosity of 76.7 pb−1 collected at centre-of-mass energies between 161GeV and 183GeV. CP-conserving as well as both C- and P-conserving triple-gauge-boson couplings are determined. The results, in good agreement with the Standard-Model expectations, confirm the existence of the self coupling among the electroweak gauge bosons and constrain its structure.

We describe the sample of energetic single-photon events (Eγ > 15 GeV) collected by L3 in the 1991–1993 LEP runs. The event distributions agree with expectations from the Standard Model. The data are used to constrain the ZZγ coupling and to set an upper limit of 4.1 × 10−6, μB (90% C.L.) on the the magnetic moment of the τ neutrino.

The production of B∗ mesons in Z decays has been measured at LEP with the L3 detector. A sample of Z → bb events was obtained by tagging muons in 1.6 million hadronic Z decays collected in 1991, 1992 and 1993. A signal with a peak value of Eγ = 46.3 ± 1.9 (stat) MeV in the B rest frame energy spectrum was interpreted to come from the decay B∗ → γB. The inclusive production ratio of B∗ mesons relative to B mesons was determined from a fit to the spectrum to be NB∗(NB∗+ NB)= 0.76 ± 0.08 ± 0.06, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic.

We measure the masses, decay widths and relative production rate of orbitally excited B mesons using 1.25 million hadronic Z decays recorded by the L3 detector. B-meson candidates are inclusively reconstructed and combined with charged pions produced at the primary event vertex. An excess of events above the expected background in the B\pi mass spectrum in the region 5.6-5.8 GeV is interpreted as resulting from the decay B_u,d^** -> B^(*)\pi, where B_u,d^** denotes a mixture of l=1 B-meson states containing a u or a d quark. A fit to the mass spectrum yields the masses and decay widths of the B_1^* and B_2^* spin states, as well as the branching fraction for the combination of l=1 states. In addition, evidence is presented for the existence of an excited B-meson state or mixture of states in the region 5.9-6.0 GeV.

Interstrip and backplane capacitances on silicon microstrip detectors with p+ strip on n substrate of 320μm thickness were measured for pitches between 60 and 240μm and width over pitch ratios between 0.13 and 0.5. Parametrisations of capacitance w.r.t. pitch and width were compared with data. The detectors were measured before and after being irradiated to a fluence of 4×1014protons/cm2 of 24GeV/c momentum. The effect of the crystal orientation of the silicon has been found to have a relevant influence on the surface radiation damage, favouring the choice of a 〈100〉 substrate. Working at high bias (up to 500 V in CMS) might be critical for the stability of detector, for a small width over pitch ratio. The influence of having a metal strip larger than the p+ implant has been studied and found to enhance the stability.

Inclusive J production in Z0 decays is observed via the leptonic decay mode J → ℓ+ℓ− (ℓ = e,μ). We measure the branching ratio Br(Z0 → J + X) = (4.1 ± 0.7 (stat.) ± 0.3 (sys.)) × 10−3. We have calculated the fraction of the J mesons from b-hadron decay and find a branching ratio of Br(b → J + X)= (1.3±0.2(stat.)±0.2(sys.)) × 10−2. We determine the average fractional energy of bottom hadrons 〈XE > = 0.70±0.03 (stat.)+0.02−0.01 (sys.) using the momentum spectrum of the J mesons. From a study of the angle between the J and the most energetic jet, we set an upper limit on the branching ratio Br(Z0 → qqg∗;g∗ → J + X) < 7.0 × 10−4at 90% confidence level.

We report on the first measurements of e+e− annihilations into hadrons and lepton pairs at centre-of-mass energies between 130 GeV and 140 GeV. In a total luminosity of 5 pb−1 collected with the L3 detector at LEP we select 1577 hadronic and 401 lepton-pair events. The measured cross sections and leptonic forward-backward asymmetries agree well with the Standard Model predictions.

We have measured the cross-section of the reaction e+e− → γγ at center of mass energies around the Z0 mass. The results are in good agreement with QED predictions. For the QED cutoff parameters the limit of Λ+ > 103 GeV and Λ− 118 GeV are found. For the decays Z0→γ,Z0→π0γ, Z0→γγγ we find upper limits of 2.9 × 10−4,2.9×10−4 ,4.1×10−4 and 1.2×10−4, respectively. All limits are at 95% CL.

We have searched for charged and neutral leptons. We exclude stable Dirac neutrinos below 42.8 GeV and stable Majorana neutrinos below 34.8 GeV. From a search for unstable neutrinos we exclude masses below 46.4 GeV (Dirac) and below 45.1 GeV (Majorana). We exclude all masses of sequential charged and neutral leptons, except if both masses are larger than 42.8 GeV (for stable Dirac neutrinos). All mass limits correspond to 95% CL.

We searched for excited electrons and muons from Z0 decay in the channels ee→eeγ, ee→eeγγ, ee→(e)eγ, ee→μμγ, ee→μμγγ. using the L3 detector at LEP. The lower mass limit for e∗ is 45.0 GeV and for μ∗ 45.3 GeV. The upper limits of ℓℓ∗Z0 and ℓℓ∗γ couplings at 95% CL have been determined up to mℓ∗ close to the Z0 mass.

We have searched for the excited electron neutrino produced from Z0 decays in the channel e+e−→νν∗ using the L3 detector at LEP. The decays ν∗→eW and ν∗→νγ have been investigated. We have determined an upper limit on the Zνν∗ coupling as a function of mν∗ up to the Z0 mass.

We have searched for the neutral Higgs boson produced in the decays of the Z0 through the process Z0 → H0l+l− in the mass range MH0 <2 GeV. From the analysis of a data sample corresponding to about 70 000 Z0→ hadrons we exclude a minimal standard model Higgs boson in the mass range 0<MH0<2 GeV at the 99% confidence level independent of the Higgs decay channels.

We have measured the partial width and forward-backward charge asymmetry for the reaction e+e-→Z0→μ+μ-(γ). We obtain a partial width Γμμ of 83.3±1.3(stat)±0.9(sys) MeV and the following values for the vector and axial vector couplings: gv=−0.062−0.015+0.020 and gA=−0.497−0.005+0.005. From our measurement of the partial width and the mass of the Z0 boson we determine the effective electroweak mixing angle, sin2θw=0.232±0.005, and the neutral current coupling strength parameter, ϱ=0.998±0.016.

Proton Computed Tomography (pCT) can improve the accuracy of both patient positioning and dose calculation in proton therapy, enabling to accurately reconstruct the electron density distribution of irradiated tissues. A pCT prototype, equipped with a silicon tracker and a YAG:Ce calorimeter, has been manufactured by an Italian collaboration. First tests under proton beam allowed obtaining good quality tomographic images of a non-homogeneous phantom. Manufacturing of a new large area system with real-time data acquisition is under way.

A YAG(Ce) crystal has been characterized with a proton beam up to 100 MeV. Tests were performed to investigate the possibility of using this detector as a proton calorimeter. A crystal size has been chosen that is able to stop up to 200 MeV. Energy resolution and light response have been measured at Laboratori Nazionali del Sud with a proton beam up to 60 MeV and a spatial homogeneity study of the crystal has been performed at Loma Linda University Medical Center with a 100 MeV proton beam. The YAG(Ce) crystal showed a good energy resolution equal to 3.7% at 60 MeV and measurements, performed in the 30–60 MeV proton energy range, were fitted by Birks' equation. Using a silicon tracker to determine the particle entry point in the crystal, a spatial homogeneity value of 1.7% in the light response has been measured.

A determination of the number of light neutrino families performed by measuring the cross section of single photon production in e+e− collision near the Z resonance is reported. From an integrated luminosity of 100pb−1, collected during the years 1991–94, we have observed 2091 single photon candidates with an energy above 1 GeV in the polar angular region 45°<θγ<135°. From a maximum likelihood fit to the single photon cross section, the Z decay width into invisible particles is measured to be Γinv=498±12(stat)±12(sys)MeV. Using the Standard Model couplings of neutrinos to the Z, the number of light neutrino species is determined to be Nν=2.98±0.07(stat)±0.07(sys).

Using the L3 detector, the branching ratio BR(b → πνX) has been measured using a sample of Z → bb events tagged by high momentum and high transverse momentum leptons in one hemisphere and with missing energy in the opposite hemisphere. From a sample of 948 000 hadronic events we find BR(b → πνX) = (2.4 ± 0.7 (stat.) ± 0.8 (syst.))%.

A search for rare charmless decays of Bd0 and Bs0 mesons has been performed in the exclusive channels Bd(s)0 →ηη, Bd(s)0 →ηπ0 and Bd(s)0 →π0π0. The data sample consisted of three million hadronic Z decays collected by the L3 experiment at LEP from 1991 through 1994. No candidate event has been observed and the following upper limits at 90% confidence level on the branching ratios have been set: Br(B()d→ηη) <4.1 x 10−4, Br(B()s→ηη) < 1.5 x 10−3, Br(B()d→ηφ()) < 2.5 x 10−4, Br(B()s→ηphi;()) < 1.0 x 10−3, Br(B()d→phi;()phi;()) < 6.0 x 10−5, Br(B()s→phi;()phi;()) < 2.1 x 10−4. These are the first experimental limits on Bd0→ηη and on the Bs0 neutral charmless modes.

We report on measurements of the mass and total decay width of the W boson with the L3 detector at LEP. W-pair events produced in $\mathrm{e^+e^-}$ interactions between 161 GeV and 183 GeV centre-of-mass energy are selected in a data sample corresponding to a total luminosity of 76.7 pb$^{-1}$. Combining all final states in W-pair production, the mass and total decay width of the W boson are determined to be $\mathrm{M_W}=80.61\pm0.15$ GeV and $\Gamma_{\mathrm{W}}=1.97\pm0.38$ GeV, respectively.

We have measured the cross-section of the production of single photon events in e+e− collisions near the Z0 resonance. For an integrated luminosity of 9.6 pb−1, we have observed 202 single photon candidates with energy between 0.9 and 3.5 GeV in the polar angular region between 45° and 135°. Assuming that the only stable weakly interacting particles are light neutrinos with standard model couplings, we determine the number of light neutrino species to be Nv = 3.14 ± 0.24 (stat.)±0.12 (syst.). This corresponds to an invisible Z0 width of Γinv = 524 ± 40 ± 20 MeV.

We present results obtained from a study of the structure of hadronic events recorded by the L3 detector at various centre-of-mass energies. The distributions of event shape variables and the energy dependence of their mean values are measured from 30GeV to 189GeV and compared with various QCD models. The energy dependence of the moments of event shape variables is used to test a power law ansatz for the non-perturbative component. We obtain a universal value of the non-perturbative parameter alpha_0 = 0.537 +/- 0.073. From a comparison with resummed O(alpha_s^2) QCD calculations, we determine the strong coupling constant at each of the selected energies. The measurements demonstrate the running of alpha_s as expected in QCD with a value of alpha_s(m_Z) = 0.1215 +/- 0.0012 (exp) +/- 0.0061 (th).

The structure functions of real and virtual photons are derived from cross section measurements of the reaction e+e−→e+e−+ hadrons at LEP. The reaction is studied at s≃91GeV with the L3 detector. One of the final state electrons is detected at a large angle relative to the beam direction, leading to Q2 values between 40 GeV2 and 500 GeV2. The other final state electron is either undetected or it is detected at a four-momentum transfer squared P2 between 1 GeV2 and 8 GeV2. These measurements are compared with predictions of the Quark Parton Model and other QCD based models.

A more precise determination of the B0-B0 mixing parameter in Z0 decays based on a fourfold increase in statistics has been made using the 1990 and 1991 L3 data. The analysis of the dilepton events, muons and electrons, gives: χB = 0.121 ± 0.017 (stat) ± 0.006 (sys). Using the value of χd measured at the γ(4S) we derive the following limit for χs:χs > 0.16 (90% CL).

We have measured the total and differential cross sections of the reaction e+e− → γγ(γ) at center-of-mass energies around 91 GeV, with an integrated luminosity of 14.2 pb−1. The results are in good agreement with QED predictions. We set lower limits, at 95% confidence level, on the QED cutoff parameters of Λ+ > 139 GeV, Λ− > 108 GeV and on the mass of an excited electron of me∗> 127GeV. We searched for Z0 rare decays with photonic signitures in the final state. Upper limits, at 95% confidence level, for branching ratio of Z0 decaying into π0γ/γγ, νγ and γγγ are 1.2 × 10−4, 1.8 × 10−4, 3.3 × 10−5 respectively.

We have measured the partial widths for the three reactions e+e− → Z0 → e+e−, μ+μ−, τ+τ−. The results are Γee = 84.3±1.3 MeV, √ΓeeΓμμ=83.9±1.4 MeV, and √ΓeeΓττ=83.9±1.4 MeV, where the errors are statistical. The systematic errors are estimated to be 1.0 MeV, 0.9 MeV, and 1.4 MeV, respectively. We perform a simultaneous fit to the cross sections for the e+e−→e+e−, μ+μ−, and τ+τ− data, the differential cross section as a function of polar angle for the electron data, and the forward- backward asymmetry for the muon data. We obtain the leptonic partial with Γℓℓ=84.0±0.9 (stat.) MeV. The systematic error is estimated to be 0.8 MeV. Also, we obtain the axial-vector and vector weak coupling constants of charged leptons, gA=−0.500±0.003 and gν=−0.064−0.013+0.017.

Objective. The goal of this study was to assess the imaging performances of the pCT system developed in the framework of INFN-funded (Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics) research projects. The spatial resolution, noise power spectrum (NPS) and RSP accuracy has been investigated, as a preliminary step to implement a new cross-calibration method for x-ray CT (xCT).Approach. The INFN pCT apparatus, made of four planes of silicon micro-strip detectors and a YAG:Ce scintillating calorimeter, reconstructs 3D RSP maps by a filtered-back projection algorithm. The imaging performances (i.e. spatial resolution, NPS and RSP accuracy) of the pCT system were assessed on a custom-made phantom, made of plastic materials with different densities ((0.66, 2.18) g cm-3). For comparison, the same phantom was acquired with a clinical xCT system.Main results. The spatial resolution analysis revealed the nonlinearity of the imaging system, showing different imaging responses in air or water phantom background. Applying the Hann filter in the pCT reconstruction, it was possible to investigate the imaging potential of the system. Matching the spatial resolution value of the xCT (0.54 lp mm-1) and acquiring both with the same dose level (11.6 mGy), the pCT appeared to be less noisy than xCT, with an RSP standard deviation of 0.0063. Concerning the RSP accuracy, the measured mean absolute percentage errors were (0.23+-0.09)% in air and (0.21+-0.07)% in water.Significance. The obtained performances confirm that the INFN pCT system provides a very accurate RSP estimation, appearing to be a feasible clinical tool for verification and correction of xCT calibration in proton treatment planning.

Objective. This paper describes the procedure to calibrate the three-dimensional (3D) proton stopping power relative to water (SPR) maps measured by the proton computed tomography (pCT) apparatus of the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN, Italy). Measurements performed on water phantoms are used to validate the method. The calibration allowed for achieving measurement accuracy and reproducibility to levels below 1%.Approach. The INFN pCT system is made of a silicon tracker for proton trajectory determination followed by a YAG:Ce calorimeter for energy measurement. To perform the calibration, the apparatus has been exposed to protons of energies ranging from 83 to 210 MeV. Using the tracker, a position-dependent calibration has been implemented to keep the energy response uniform across the calorimeter. Moreover, correction algorithms have been developed to reconstruct the proton energy when this is shared in more than one crystal and to consider the energy loss in the non-uniform apparatus material. To verify the calibration and its reproducibility, water phantoms have been imaged with the pCT system during two data-taking sessions.Main results. The energy resolution of the pCT calorimeter resulted to beσEE≅0.9%at 196.5 MeV. The average values of the water SPR in fiducial volumes of the control phantoms have been calculated to be 0.995±0.002. The image non-uniformities were below 1%. No appreciable variation of the SPR and uniformity values between the two data-taking sessions could be identified.Significance. This work demonstrates the accuracy and reproducibility of the calibration of the INFN pCT system at a level below 1%. Moreover, the uniformity of the energy response keeps the image artifacts at a low level even in the presence of calorimeter segmentation and tracker material non-uniformities. The implemented calibration technique allows the INFN-pCT system to face applications where the precision of the SPR 3D maps is of paramount importance.

A search for single and multi-photon events with missing energy is performed using data collected at centre-of-mass energies between 161 GeV and 172 GeV for a total of 20.9 pb−1 of integrated luminosity. The results obtained are used to derive the value for the ννγ(γ) cross section as well as upper limits on new physics processes.

The two-photon width Γγγ of the ηc meson has been measured with the L3 detector at LEP. The ηc is studied in the decay modes π+π−π+π−, π+π−K+K−, K0sK±π∓, K+K−π0, π+π−η, π+π−η′, and ρ+ρ− using an integrated luminosity of 140 pb−1 at s≃91 GeV and of 52 pb−1 at s≃183 GeV. The result is Γγγ(ηc)=6.9±1.7stat±0.8sys±2.0(BR) keV. The Q2 dependence of the ηc cross section is studied for Q2<9 GeV2. It is found to be better described by a Vector Meson Dominance model form factor with a J-pole than with a ρ-pole. In addition, a signal of 29±11 events is observed at the χc0 mass. Upper limits for the two-photon widths of the χc0, χc2, and ηc′ are also given.

The pair production of Z bosons is studied using the data collected by the L3 detector at LEP in 1998 in e+e- collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 189 GeV. All the visible final states are considered and the cross section of this process is measured to be 0.74 +0.15 -0.14 (stat.) +/- 0.04 (syst.) pb. Final states containing b quarks are enhanced by a dedicated selection and their production cross section is found to be 0.18 +0.09 -0.07 (stat.) +/- 0.02 (syst.) pb. Both results are in agreement with the Standard Model predictions. Limits on anomalous couplings between neutral gauge bosons are derived from these measurements.

A study of resonance formation is presented in the π+π−π0 final state in two-photon collisions at LEP. The a2(1320) radiative width is measured to be Λγγ = 0.98 ± 0.05 ± 0.09 keV. The helicity 2 production is dominant. Exclusive π+π−π0 production has also been studied in the mass region above the a2 in the ϱπ and f2π channels. This region is dominated by a JP = 2+ helicity 2 wave.

Bhabha scattering data recorded at \sqrt{s}=189 GeV by the L3 detector at LEP are used to measure the running of the effective fine-structure constant for spacelike momentum transfers. The results are alpha^-1(-2.1 GeV^2) - alpha^-1(-6.25 GeV^2) = 0.78 +/- 0.26 alpha^-1(-12.25 GeV^2) - alpha^-1(-3434 GeV^2) = 3.80 +/- 1.29, in agreement with theoretical predictions.