Paolo Vitulo

The narrow dip observed at 1.9 GeV/c2 by the Fermilab experiment E687 in diffractive photoproduction of 3π+3π− is examined. The E687 data are refitted, a mechanism is proposed to explain why this resonance appears as a dip, and possible interpretations are discussed.

The magnetic spectrometer and charged particle tracking system used in Fermilab experiment 687 to study the photoproduction and decay of charm particles are described in detail. The photons are produced by a wideband electron beam which can operate at energies up to 600 GeV/c. The spectrometer consists of a high resolution silicon microstrip detector, a large aperture dipole magnet, proportional chambers, a second large aperture dipole, and more proportional chambers. Three multi-cell threshold Cherenkov counters provide charged particle identification. The tracking system is capable of resolving the secondary decay vertices of charm and beauty mesons and baryons from the primary interaction vertex. It also determines the invariant mass of the multibody final states of particles containing heavy quarks with excellent resolution. The particle identification system allows one to identify kaons and protons present in these final states clearly. This collection of detectors produces very clean signals for charm particles and permits one to make many cross checks of the apparatus. The performance is illustrated for a variety of charm signals. Of particular interest is a description of the tracking through the silicon microstrip detector and its use in isolating downstream decay vertices. Two complementary approaches to the reconstruction of secondary decay vertices are presented and insight is gained by comparing their strengths and weaknesses.

Using data from the FOCUS experiment we analyze the D+π− and D0π+ invariant mass distributions. We measure the D2∗0 mass MD2∗0=(2464.5±1.1±1.9)MeV/c2 and width ΓD2∗0=(38.7±5.3±2.9)MeV/c2, and the D2∗+ mass MD2∗+=(2467.6±1.5±0.76)MeV/c2 and width ΓD2∗+=(34.1±6.5±4.2)MeV/c2. We find evidence for broad structures over background in both the neutral and charged final state. If each is interpreted as evidence for a single L=1, jq=1/2 excited charm meson resonance, the masses and widths are M1/20=(2407±21±35)MeV/c2, Γ1/20=(240±55±59)MeV/c2, and M1/2+=(2403±14±35)MeV/c2, Γ1/2+=(283±24±34)MeV/c2, respectively.

Chiral symmetry and its spontaneous breaking play an important role both in the light hadron and heavy hadron systems. The chiral perturbation theory (χPT) is the low energy effective field theory of the Quantum Chromodynamics. In this work, we shall review the investigations on the chiral corrections to the properties of the heavy mesons and baryons within the framework of χPT. We will also review the scatterings of the light pseudoscalar mesons and heavy hadrons, through which many new resonances such as the Ds0∗(2317) could be understood.Moreover, many new hadron states were observed experimentally in the past decades. A large group of these states is near-threshold resonances, such as the charged charmoniumlike Zc and Zcs states, bottomoniumlike Zb states, hidden-charm pentaquark Pc and Pcs states and the doubly charmed Tcc state, etc. They are very good candidates of the loosely bound molecular states composed of a pair of charmed (bottom) hadrons, which are very similar to the loosely bound deuteron. The modern nuclear force was built upon the chiral effective field theory (χEFT), which is the extension of the χPT to the systems with two matter fields. The long-range and medium-long-range interactions between two nucleons arise from the single- and double-pion exchange respectively, which are well constrained by the chiral symmetry and its spontaneous breaking. The short-distance interactions can be described by the low energy constants. Such a framework works very well for the nucleon–nucleon scattering and nuclei. In this work, we will perform an extensive review of the progress on the heavy hadronic molecular states within the framework of χEFT. We shall emphasize that the same chiral dynamics not only govern the nuclei and forms the deuteron, but also dictates the shallow bound states or resonances composed of two heavy hadrons.

We have performed a search for CPT violation in neutral charm meson oscillations. While flavor mixing in the charm sector is predicted to be small by the Standard Model, it is still possible to investigate CPT violation through a study of the proper time dependence of a CPT asymmetry in right-sign decay rates for D0→K−π+ and D0→K+π−. This asymmetry is related to the CPT violating complex parameter ξ and the mixing parameters x and y: ACPT∝(Reξ)y−(Imξ)x. Our 95% confidence level limit is −0.0068<(Reξ)y−(Imξ)x<0.0234. Within the framework of the Standard Model Extension incorporating general CPT violation, we also find 95% confidence level limits for the expressions involving coefficients of Lorentz violation of (−2.8<N(x,y,δ)(Δa0+0.6ΔaZ)<4.8)×10−16 GeV, (−7.0<N(x,y,δ)ΔaX<3.8)×10−16 GeV, and (−7.0<N(x,y,δ)ΔaY<3.8)×10−16 GeV, where N(x,y,δ) is the factor which incorporates mixing parameters x, y and the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored relative strong phase δ.

Using a high statistics sample of photoproduced charm particles from the FOCUS experiment at Fermilab, we compare the lifetimes of neutral D mesons decaying via D0 to K- pi+ and K- K+ to measure the lifetime differences between CP even and CP odd final states. These measurements bear on the phenomenology of D0 - D0bar mixing. If the D0 to K-pi+ is an equal mixture of CP even and CP odd eigenstates, we measure yCP = 0.0342 \pm 0.0139 \pm 0.0074.

Using a large sample of charm semileptonic decays collected by the FOCUS photoproduction experiment at Fermilab, we present evidence for a small, even spin K−π+ amplitude that interferes with the dominant K̄∗0 component in the D+→K−π+μ+ν final state. Although this interference significantly distorts the D+→K−π+μ+ν decay angular distributions, the new amplitude creates only a very small distortion to the observed kaon pion mass distribution when integrated over the other kinematic variables describing the decay. Our data can be described by K̄∗0 interference with either a constant amplitude or broad spin zero resonance.

Analysis of three D → Kππ Dalitz plots is presented using data collected by the Fermilab high energy photoproduction experiment E687. Our data are fit to a model consisting of a sum of Breit-Wigner amplitudes for the intermediate two-body resonant decay modes and a constant term for the nonresonant contribution. We extract branching fractions and relative phases and compare them to the results obtained in other experiments. Although this model qualitatively reproduces many features of our data, statistically significant discrepancies are observed in some of our fits.

FOCUS results from Dalitz plot analyses of D+s and D+ to π+π−π+ are presented. The K-matrix formalism is applied to charm decays for the first time, which allows us to fully exploit the already existing knowledge coming from light-meson spectroscopy experiments. In particular all the measured dynamics of the S-wave ππ scattering, characterized by broad/overlapping resonances and large non-resonant background, can be properly included. This Letter studies the extent to which the K-matrix approach is able to reproduce the observed Dalitz plot and thus help us to understand the underlying dynamics. The results are discussed along with their possible implications for the controversial σ meson.

Operation of large-area muon detectors at the future Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will be characterized by large sustained hit rates over the whole area, reaching the range of kHzcm−2. We describe a dedicated test zone built at CERN to test the performance and the aging of the muon chambers currently under development. A radioactive source delivers photons causing the sustained rate of random hits, while a narrow beam of high-energy muons is used to directly calibrate the detector performance. A system of remotely controlled lead filters serves to vary the rate of photons over four orders of magnitude, to allow the study of performance as a function of rate.

We describe the algorithm used to identify charged tracks in the fixed-target charm-photoproduction experiment FOCUS.

Using a large sample of D0→K−μ+ν and D0→π−μ+ν decays collected by the FOCUS photoproduction experiment at Fermilab, we present new measurements of the q2 dependence for the f+(q2) form factor. These measured f+(q2) form factors are fit to common parameterizations such as the pole dominance form and compared to recent unquenched Lattice QCD calculations. We find mpole=1.93±0.05±0.03GeV/c2 for D0→K−μ+ν and mpole=1.91−0.15+0.30±0.07GeV/c2 for D0→π−μ+ν and f−(K)(0)/f+(K)(0)=−1.7−1.4+1.5±0.3.

Using data collected by the high-energy photoproduction experiment FOCUS at Fermilab we performed a Dalitz plot analysis of the Cabibbo favored decay D+→K−π+π+. This study uses 53653 Dalitz-plot events with a signal fraction of ∼97%, and represents the highest statistics, most complete Dalitz plot analysis for this channel. Results are presented and discussed using two different formalisms. The first is a simple sum of Breit–Wigner functions with freely fitted masses and widths. It is the model traditionally adopted and serves as comparison with the already published analyses. The second uses a K-matrix approach for the dominant S-wave, in which the parameters are fixed by first fitting Kπ scattering data and continued to threshold by Chiral Perturbation Theory. We show that the Dalitz plot distribution for this decay is consistent with the assumption of two-body dominance of the final state interactions and the description of these interactions is in agreement with other data on the Kπ final state.

Fermilab high-energy photoproduction experiment E687 provides a high statistics sample of the decay mode D+ → K∗0μ+ν (charge conjugates are implied). Our analysis yields a branching ratio of Γ (D+ → K∗0μ+ν)Γ (D+ → K−π+π+) = 0.56±0.04±0.06. The ratios of the form factors governing the decay are measured to be Rν = 1.74 ±0.27±0.28 and R2 = 0.78±0.18±0.10, implying a polarization of ΓlΓt = 1.20±0.13 ±0.13 for the electron decay. Finally, we report new limits on the decay modes D+ → K−π+μ+ν (nonresonent) and D+ → K∗0π0μ+ν.

An observation of an excited ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+\mathrm{*}}$ baryon decaying to ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, with ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{pK}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$, is presented. We reconstruct 39.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}8.7${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+\mathrm{*}}$ baryons with a mass of 340.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3 MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ above the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$ mass. The upper limit on the resonant branching ratio is B(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}}_{\mathit{c}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$)/B(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$ ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$)36% at the 90% confidence level.

The CMS Barrel resistive plate chambers quality tests are performed at three different sites (Bari, Pavia and Sofia), where equivalent software and hardware tools are used. Data from the first 210 detectors are available for a comprehensive analysis. The paper describes the general experimental set-up, the test procedure and the cosmic muon test results. The muon trajectory reconstruction algorithm, used for precise studies, is presented. The criteria to accept or reject a detector are also given. The CMS final-design chambers show an average efficiency greater than 95%.

Using data from FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab, we present a model independent partial-wave analysis of the K−π+ S-wave amplitude from the decay D+→K−π+π+. The S-wave is a generic complex function to be determined directly from the data fit. The P- and D-waves are parameterized by a sum of Breit–Wigner amplitudes. The measurement of the S-wave amplitude covers the whole elastic range of the K−π+ system.

A narrow dip structure has been observed at 1.9 GeV/c2 in a study of diffractive photoproduction of the 3π+3π− final state performed by the Fermilab experiment E687.

Amplitude analyses of the D+ and Ds+ → K+K−π+ Dalitz plots are presented using data collected by the Fermilab high energy photoproduction experiment E687. Our data are fit to a model consisting of a sum of Breit-Wigner amplitudes for the intermediate two-body resonant decay modes. We extract decay fractions and relative phases. These results are used to infer new branching ratios for D+ → K+K−π+ inclusive as well as the Φπ+ and K∗(892)0K+ channels.

A novel version of the front-end electronics for the CMS Resistive Plate Chambers is described. It is based on a new front-end ASIC, designed and manufactured in the 0.8μm BiCMOS technology by Austria Mikro Systeme. The main improvements with respect to the previous version (Loddo et al., Proceedings of the Fourth International Workshop on Resistive Plate Chambers and related Detectors, Napoli, 15–16 October 1997) [1] concern the input impedance, the threshold uniformity and the timing performance. Simulation and test results will be shown, together with a brief description of the automatic test system for both front-end chip and board.

A model to simulate the avalanche formation process and the induced signal in a Resistive Plate Chamber is presented. A first investigation of the effects of various parameters on the performance of this detector is reported.

The ratio of cumulant to factorial moments of experimental multiplicity distributions has been calculated for e+e− and hh interactions in a wide range of energies. As a function of the rank it exhibits an initial steep decrease and a series of oscillations around zero. Those features cannot be reproduced by the Negative Binomial Distribution. A comparable behaviour is instead predicted in high-energy perturbative QCD. The presence of a qualitatively similar behaviour for different processes and in wide energy intervals suggests speaking of an approximate scaling of the cumulant to factorial moment ratio.

Measurements of elastic photoproduction cross sections for the J/ψ meson from 100 GeV to 375 GeV are presented. The results indicate that the cross section increases slowly in this range. The shape of the energy dependence agrees well with the photon-gluon fusion model prediction.

The formation of highly reactive compounds in the gas mixture during Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) operation at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility (GIF) is studied. Results from two different types of chambers are discussed: 50 × 50 cm2 RPC prototypes and two final CMS-RB1 chambers. The RB1 detectors were also connected to a closed loop gas system. Gas composition, possible additional impurities as well as fluoride ions have been monitored in different gamma irradiation conditions both in open and closed loop mode. The chemical composition of the RPC electrode surface has also been analyzed using an electron microscope equipped with an EDS/X-ray.

An amplitude analysis of the D+, Ds+ → π−π+π+ Dalitz plots is presented using data collected by the Fermilab high-energy photoproduction experiment E687. The data are fitted to a model consisting of a sum of relativistic Breit-Wigner amplitudes for the intermediate two-body resonant decay modes plus a flat non-resonant contribution. From the fit we derive decay fractions and relative phases. We also present measurements of Γ(D+→π−π+π+)Γ(D+→K−π+π+) and Γ(Ds+→π−π+π+)Γ(Ds+→K−K+π+).

Using data from the FOCUS (E831) experiment, we have searched for T violation in charm meson decays using the four-body decay channels $D^0 \to K^-K^+\pi^-\pi^+$, $D^+ \to K^0_SK^+\pi^-\pi^+$, and $D^+_s \to K^0_SK^+\pi^-\pi^+$. The T violation asymmetry is obtained using triple-product correlations and assuming the validity of the CPT theorem. We find the asymmetry values to be $A_Tviol (D^0) = 0.010 \pm 0.057(stat.) \pm 0.037(syst.)$, $A_Tviol (D^+) = 0.023 \pm 0.062(stat.) \pm 0.022(syst.)$, and $A_Tviol (D^+_s) = -0.036 \pm 0.067(stat.) \pm 0.023(syst.)$. Each measurement is consistent with no T violation. New measurements of the CP asymmetries for some of these decay modes are also presented.

Using a large sample of D+ to K- pi+ mu+ nu decays collected by the FOCUS photoproduction experiment at Fermilab, we present new measurements of two semileptonic form factor ratios: rv and r2. We find rv = 1.504 \pm 0.057 \pm 0.039 and r2 = 0.875 \pm 0.049 \pm 0.064. Our form factor results include the effects of the s-wave interference discussed in a previous paper.

We present a Kπ mass spectrum analysis of the four-body semileptonic charm decay D+→K−π+μ+ν in the range of 0.65GeV/c2<mKπ<1.5GeV/c2. We observe a non-resonant contribution of 5.30±0.74−0.96+0.99% with respect to the total D+→K−π+μ+ν decay. For the K∗(892)0 resonance, we obtain a mass of 895.41±0.32−0.43+0.35MeV/c2, a width of 47.79±0.86−1.06+1.32MeV/c2, and a Blatt–Weisskopf damping factor parameter of 3.96±0.54−0.90+1.31GeV−1. We also report 90% CL upper limits of 4% and 0.64% for the branching ratios Γ(D+→K¯∗(1680)0μ+ν)Γ(D+→K−π+μ+ν) and Γ(D+→K¯0∗(1430)0μ+ν)Γ(D+→K−π+μ+ν), respectively.

We describe a silicon microstrip detector interleaved with segments of a beryllium oxide target which was used in the FOCUS photoproduction experiment at Fermilab. The detector was designed to improve the vertex resolution and to enhance the reconstruction efficiency of short-lived charm particles.

We present an analysis of the decay D0→K+π− based on FOCUS data. From a sample of 234 signal events, we find a branching ratio of Γ(D0→K+π−)Γ(D0→K−π+)=(0.429−0.061+0.063±0.027)% under the assumptions of no mixing and no CP violation. Allowing for CP violation, we find a branching ratio of (0.429±0.063±0.028)% and a CP asymmetry of 0.18±0.14±0.04. The branching ratio for the case of mixing with no CP violation is (0.381−0.163+0.167±0.092)%. We also present limits on charm mixing.

In view of the High Luminosity upgrade of the CERN LHC, the forward CMS Muon spectrometer will be extended with two new stations of improved Resistive Plate Chambers (iRPC) covering the pseudorapidity range from 1.8 to 2.4. Compared to the present RPC system, the gap thickness is reduced to lower the avalanche charge, and an innovative 2D strip readout geometry is proposed. These improvements will allow iRPC detector to cope with higher background rates. A new Front-End-Board (FEB) is designed to readout iRPC signals with a threshold as low as 30 fC and an integrated Time Digital Converter with a resolution of 30 ps. In addition, the communication bandwidth is significantly increased by using optical fibers. The history, final design, certification, and calibration of this FEB are presented.

A high-statistics sample of photoproduced charm from the FOCUS experiment has been used to search for direct CP violation in the decay rates for D+-->K(S)pi+ and D+-->K(S)K+. We have measured the following asymmetry parameters relative to D+-->K-pi+pi+: A(CP)(K(S)pi+) = (-1.6+/-1.5+/-0.9)%, A(CP)(K(S)K+) = (+6.9+/-6.0+/-1.5)%, and A(CP)(K(S)K+) = (+7.1+/-6.1+/-1.2)% relative to D+-->K(S)pi+. We have also measured the relative branching ratios and found Gamma(D+-->K(0)pi+)/Gamma(D+-->K-pi+pi+) = (30.60+/-0.46+/-0.32)%, Gamma(D+-->K(0)K+)/Gamma(D+-->K-pi+pi+) = (6.04+/-0.35+/-0.30)%, and Gamma(D+-->K(0)K+)/Gamma(D+-->K(0)pi+) = (19.96+/-1.19+/-0.96)%.

Using data from the FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab, we present a new measurement for the branching ratios of the Cabibbo-suppressed decay modes D0→π−π+ and D0→K−K+. We measured: Γ(D0→K−K+)/Γ(D0→π−π+)=2.81±0.10(stat)±0.06(syst), Γ(D0→K−K+)/Γ(D0→K−π+)=0.0993±0.0014(stat)±0.0014(syst), and Γ(D0→π−π+)/Γ(D0→K−π+)=0.0353±0.0012(stat)±0.0006(syst). These values have been combined with other experimental data to extract the ratios of isospin amplitudes and the phase shifts for the D→KK and D→ππ decay channels.

We review genetic programming principles, their application to FOCUS data samples, and use the method to study the doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay D+ -> K+ pi+ pi- relative to its Cabibbo favored counterpart, D+ -> K- pi+ pi+. We find that this technique is able to improve upon more traditional analysis methods. To our knowledge, this is the first application of the genetic programming technique to High Energy Physics data.

Using data from the FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab, we present a new measurement of the weak decay-asymmetry parameter αΛc in Λc+→Λπ+ decay. Comparing particle with antiparticle decays, we obtain the first measurement of the CP violation parameter A≡αΛc+αΛ¯cαΛc−αΛ¯c. We obtain αΛc=−0.78±0.16±0.19 and A=−0.07±0.19±0.24 where errors are statistical and systematic.

The status of the CMS RPC Gas Gain Monitoring (GGM) system developed at the Frascati Laboratory of INFN (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare) is reported on. The GGM system is a cosmic ray telescope based on small RPC detectors operated with the same gas mixture used by the CMS RPC system. The GGM gain and efficiency are continuously monitored on-line, thus providing a fast and accurate determination of any shift in working point conditions. The construction details and the first result of GGM commissioning are described.

A high statistics sample of photoproduced charm particles from the FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab has been used to search for CP violation in the Cabibbo suppressed decay modes D+→K−K+π+, D0→K−K+ and D0→π−π+. We have measured the following CP asymmetry parameters: ACP(K−K+π+)=+0.006±0.011±0.005, ACP(K−K+)=−0.001±0.022±0.015 and ACP(π−π+)=+0.048±0.039±0.025 where the first error is statistical and the second error is systematic. These asymmetries are consistent with zero with smaller errors than previous measurements.

We present evidence for the Ωc0 in a new decay mode Ωc0 → Σ+K−K−π+, for which we find 42.5 ± 8.8 events with a mass of 2699.9 ± 1.5 ± 2.5 MeV/c2. The data are from Fermilab high energy photoproduction experiment E687.

We report the measurement of masses and widths of the following L=1 charm mesons by the E687 Collaboration at Fermilab: a ${\mathit{D}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}0}$ state of mass (width) 2453\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 (25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5) MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ decaying to ${\mathit{D}}^{+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, a ${\mathit{D}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}+}$ state of mass (width) 2453\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 (23\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5) MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ decaying to ${\mathit{D}}^{0}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$, a ${\mathit{D}}_{1}^{0}$ state of mass (width) 2422\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2 (15\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4) MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ decaying to ${\mathit{D}}^{\mathrm{*}+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, and a ${\mathit{D}}_{\mathit{s}1}^{+}$ state of mass 2535.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0 MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ and width 3.2 MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ at 90% confidence level, decaying to ${\mathit{D}}^{\mathrm{*}+}$${\mathit{K}}_{\mathit{s}}^{0}$ and ${\mathit{D}}^{\mathrm{*}0}$${\mathit{K}}^{+}$.

We report evidence of a narrow resonance at a mass of 2705.9 ± 3.3 ± 2.0 MeV/c2 in the final state Ω−π+ and the charge conjugate. The mass and width support the interpretation of a weakly decaying doubly strange charmed baryon, the Ωc0. Limits on the relative branching ratios for Ωc0→Ω−K−π+π+ and Ωc0→Ω−π−π+π+ are also presented.

We report on the study of charm baryons decaying to Λc+: Λc★+(2625) → Λc+π+π−, Λc★+(2593) → Λc+π+π−, Σc0 → Λc+π− and Σc++ → Λc+π+. We present a confirmation of the state Λc∗+ (2593) and determine its mass difference to be M(Λc★+(2593)) − M(Λc+) = 309.2 ± 0.7 ± 0.3 MeV/c2. We determine the lower limit on the resonant branching ratio to be BR(Λc★+(2593) → Σcπ±Λc★+(2593) → Λc+π+π−) > 0.51 (90% c.l.). We also measure the mass differences M(Σc0) − M(Λc+) = 166.6±0.5±0.6 MeV/c2 and M(Σc++) − M(Λc+) = 167.6±0.6±0.6 MeV/c2. Finally, we measure the relative photoproduction cross sections for Λc★+ and Σc with respect to the (inclusive) photoproduction cross section for Λc+.

We describe the various techniques developed in the Fermilab Wideband Experiments, E687 and FOCUS, to reconstruct long-lived states. The techniques all involve modifications to standard tracking techniques and are useful to report for future experiments.

Several small single gap Resistive Plate Chambers and two RB1 CMS final stations have been exposed during the last year at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility to study possible long-term ageing effects. Up to now, an integrated charge of about 0.05C/(cm2gap) and 0.025 C/(cm2 gap) has been accumulated for the small RPCs and the large RB1 stations, respectively. Current, rate, fast charge and efficiency have been continuously monitored with muon beam or cosmics. Results concerning operation with a moisty mixture are also reported.

The CMS RPC muon detector utilizes a gas recirculation system called closed loop (CL) to cope with large gas mixture volumes and costs.A systematic study of CL gas purifiers has been carried out over 400 days between July 2008 and August 2009 at CERN in a low-radiation test area, with the use of RPC chambers with currents monitoring, and gas analysis sampling points.The study aimed to fully clarify the presence of pollutants, the chemistry of purifiers used in the CL, and the regeneration procedure.Preliminary results on contaminants release and purifier characterization are reported.

We report measurements of charm particle production asymmetries from the Fermilab photoproduction experiment E687. An asymmetry in the rate of production of charm versus anticharm particles is expected to arise primarily from fragmentation effects. We observe statistically significant asymmetries in the photoproduction of D+, D∗+ and D0 mesons and find small (but statistically weak) asymmetries in the production of the Ds+ meson and the Λc+ baryon. Our inclusive photoproduction asymmetries are compared to predictions from nonperturbative models of charm quark fragmentation.

A bakelite double gap Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC), operating in avalanche mode, has been exposed to the radiation emitted from a 252Cf source to measure its neutron and gamma sensitivity. One of the two gaps underwent the traditional electrodes surface coating with linseed oil. RPC signals were triggered by fission events detected using BaF2 scintillators. A Monte Carlo code, inside the GEANT 3.21 framework with MICAP interface, has been used to identify the gamma and neutron contributions to the total number of collected RPC signals. A neutron sensitivity of (0.63±0.02)×10−3 (average energy 2 MeV) and a gamma sensitivity of (14.0±0.5)×10−3 (average energy 1.5 MeV) have been measured in double gap mode. Measurements done in single gap mode have shown that both neutron and gamma sensitivity are independent of the oiling treatment.

A long-term aging test of a Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) was carried out with an intense gamma 137Cs source. The detector was operated in avalanche mode and had the bakelite surface treated with linseed oil. After the irradiation the estimated dose, charge and fluence were approximately equal to the expected values after 10 years of operation in the CMS barrel region. During and after the irradiation, the RPC performance was monitored with cosmic muons and showed no relevant aging effects. Moreover, no variation of the bakelite resistance was observed.

Using data from the FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab, we present new measurements for the Cabibbo-suppressed decay mode D 0 → π -π + π -π + .We measure the branching ratio0022.An amplitude analysis has been performed, a first for this channel, in order to determine the resonant substructure of this decay mode.The dominant component is the decay D 0 → a 1 (1260) + π -, accounting for 60% of the decay rate.The second most dominant contribution comes from the decay D 0 → ρ(770) 0 ρ(770) 0 , with a fraction of 25%.We also study the a 1 (1260) line shape and resonant substructure.Using the helicity formalism for the angular distribution of the decay D 0 → ρ(770) 0 ρ(770) 0 , we measure a longitudinal polarization of P L = (71 ± 4 ± 2)%.

The formation of reactive compounds in the gas mixture during Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) operation at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility (GIF) is studied. Results from two different types of chambers are discussed: 50×50cm2 RPC prototypes and two final CMS-RB1 chambers. The RB1 detectors were also connected to a closed loop gas system. Gas composition and possible additional impurities have been monitored in different gamma irradiation conditions both in open and closed loop modes using a gas chromatograph. Dedicated measurements for fluoride concentration in the exhausted gas line were performed at different irradiations and operation conditions using a specific electrode and a High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph. The efficiency of the purifiers system present in the closed loop in removing the F- and others impurities has also been investigated. Finally, the chemical composition of the RPC electrode surface has been analyzed using an electron microscope equipped with an EDS/X-ray.

New results about the simulation of Resistive Plate Chambers are reported; particular enphasys is put in the understanding of charge spectra in regions where deviations from the pure avalanche mode of operation can be present.

Using a high statistics sample of photo-produced charm particles from the FOCUS experiment at Fermilab, we report results of a search for eight rare and Standard-Model-forbidden decays: D+, Ds+ > h+/- muon-/+ muon+ (with h=pion or Kaon). Improvement over previous results by a factor of 1.7--14 is realized. Our branching ratio upper limit D+ > pion+ muon- muon+ of 8.8E-6 at the 90% C.L. is below the current MSSM R-Parity violating constraint.

Using data from the FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab, we present a new measurement for the Cabibbo-suppressed decay mode D0→K+K−π+π−. We measure: Γ(D0→K+K−π+π−)/Γ(D0→K−π−π+π+)=0.0295±0.0011±0.0008. An amplitude analysis has been performed in order to determine the resonant substructure of this decay mode. The dominant components are the decays D0→K1(1270)+K−, D0→K1(1400)+K− and D0→ρ(770)0ϕ(1020).

Using a high statistics sample of photo-produced charm particles from the FOCUS experiment at Fermilab, we report on the measurement of the ratio of semileptonic rates \Gamma(D+ > ANTI-K pi mu+ nu)/\Gamma(D+ > ANTI-K0 mu+ nu)= 0.625 +/- 0.045 +/- 0.034. Allowing for the K pi S-wave interference measured previously by FOCUS, we extract the vector to pseudoscalar ratio \Gamma(D+ > ANTI-K*0 mu+ nu)/\Gamma(D+ > ANTI-K0 mu+ nu)= 0.594 +/- 0.043 +/- 0.033 and the ratio \Gamma(D+ > ANTI-K0 mu+ nu)/\Gamma(D+ > K- pi+ pi+)= 1.019 +/- 0.076 +/- 0.065. Our results show a lower ratio for \Gamma(D > K* \ell nu})/\Gamma(D > K \ell nu) than has been reported recently and indicate the current world average branching fractions for the decays D+ >ANTI-K0(mu+, e+) nu are low. Using the PDG world average for B(D+ > K- pi+ pi+) we extract B(D+ > ANIT-K0 mu+ nu)=(9.27 +/- 0.69 +/- 0.59 +/- 0.61)%.

We present a search for a charmed pentaquark decaying strongly to D(∗)−p. Finding no evidence for such a state, we set limits on the cross-section times branching ratio relative to D∗− and D− under particular assumptions about the production mechanism.

Using a large sample of D+ -> K- pi+ mu+ nu decays collected by the FOCUS photoproduction experiment at Fermilab, we present the first measurements of the helicity basis form factors free from the assumption of spectroscopic pole dominance. We also present the first information on the form factor that controls the s-wave interference discussed in a previous paper by the FOCUS collaboration. We find reasonable agreement with the usual assumption of spectroscopic pole dominance and measured form factor ratios.

We present a search for a pentaquark decaying strongly to pKS0 in γN collisions at a center-of-mass energy up to 25 GeV. Finding no evidence for such a state in the mass range of 1470MeV/c2 to 2200MeV/c2, we set limits on the yield and on the cross section times branching ratio relative to Σ∗(1385)± and K∗(892)+.

Due to its large volume (18 m3)the Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) detector of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the LHC proton collider (CERN, Switzerland) will employ a gas re-circulation system. Since the mixture composition and quality are crucial issues for the detector operation, CMS-RPC will use an online gas analysis and monitoring system. An overview of both the CMS-RPC gas system and gas monitoring system is given and the project parameters are described.

Resistive Plate Chambers have been chosen as dedicated trigger muon detector for the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment [1] at the Large Hadron Collider [2] at CERN. The system consists of about 3000 m2 of double gap RPC chambers placed in both the barrel and endcap muon regions.

We present the first measurement of the lifetime of the Ωc0 baryon. The data were collected in the Fermilab high energy photoproduction experiment E687. The measured lifetime is τ = 86−20+27(stat.) ± 28(syst.) fr. Thus the Ωc0 has one of the shorter lifetimes among the weakly decaying singly charmed baryons.

Some properties of a 90% C2H2F4 gas mixture, used to operate resistive plate chambers in the avalanche mode, are determined by comparing the experimental results with the prediction of simple analytical calculations. The fast charge distribution of the signal induced on pick-up electrodes is reproduced by means of a Monte Carlo simulation of the avalanche development. In addition, predictions for a gas mixture with poor content of C2H2F4 are given for comparison.

Using a large sample of photoproduced charm mesons from the FOCUS experiment at Fermilab (FNAL-E831), we observe the decay D0-->K+pi- with a signal yield of 149+/-31 events compared to a similarly cut sample consisting of 36 760+/-195 D0-->K-pi+ events. We use the observed ratio of D0-->K+pi- to D0-->K-pi+ (0.404+/-0.085+/-0.025)% to obtain a relationship between the D0 mixing and doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay parameters.

We present precision measurements of the D0 and D+ meson lifetimes using approximately 7500 fully reconstructed D0→K−π+, K−π+π+π−, D+→K−π+π+, and charge conjugate decays. The data were accumulated by the Fermilab high ene rgy photoproduction experiment E687. The lifetime of the D0 is measured to be 0.424±0.011±0.007 ps while the D+ lifetime is measured to be 1.075±0.040±0.018 ps.

Using data collected by the fixed target Fermilab experiment FOCUS, we present several first measurements for the semileptonic decay D0→K¯0π−μ+ν. Using a model that includes a K¯0π− s-wave component, we measure the form factor ratios to be rv=1.71±0.68±0.34 and r2=0.91±0.37±0.10 and the s-wave amplitude to be A=0.35±0.22±0.05GeV−1. Finally, we measure the vector semileptonic branching ratio Γ(D0→K*(892)−μ+ν)Γ(D0→K¯0π−π+)=0.337±0.034±0.013.

Performances of the Gas Gain Monitoring system of the CMS RPC muon detectors after one year of operation at the scaled down closed loop recirculation gas system are presented. The GGM is made of 12 single-gap RPC's arranged in a cosmic ray telescope, with charge readout for online monitoring of working point. Preliminary results on sensitivity to gas changes and to environmental variables will be reported on.

The Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) are employed in the CMS experiment at the LHC as dedicated trigger system both in the barrel and in the endcap. This note presents results of the RPC detector uniformity and stability during the 2011 data taking period, and preliminary results obtained with 2012 data. The detector uniformity has been ensured with a dedicated High Voltage scan with LHC collisions, in order to determine the optimal operating working voltage of each individual RPC chamber installed in CMS. Emphasis is given on the procedures and results of the High Voltage calibration. Moreover, an increased detector stability has been obtained by automatically taking into account temperature and atmospheric pressure variations in the CMS cavern.

Results on the behaviour of several bakelite Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) without the linseed oil treatment of the internal electrodes will be presented. Efficiency, collected charge and cluster size distributions will be compared to the ones of a standard oiled RPC. Currents and single rate are the quantities most affected by the surface treatment of the electrodes beyond the optical/mechanical properties. A factor 4 less in currents and at least a factor 10 less in single rate is achieved using standard oiled RPCs operated in streamer mode.

Resistive Plate Chambers were tested in a muon and pion beam to study the performances at different running conditions. Results on a first chamber built without the linseed oil treatment of the bakelite surfaces are presented together with an evaluation of the local effects due to the spacers. These results are extrapolated to the conditions expected at LHC.

Fermilab high-energy photoproduction experiment E687 measures a branching ratio of Γ (DS+ → φμ+ν) /Γ (DS+ → φμ+) = 0.58 ± 0.17 (stat) ± 0.07 (sys). This branching ratio is combined with theoretical inputs to obtain a new measurement of the DS+ absolute branching ratio of Γ (DS+ → φμ+) / Γ (DS+ → all) = 0.031 ± 0.009 (stat 0.005 (sys) ± 0.004 (theoretical).

A high statistics sample of photoproduced charm particles from the FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab has been used to measure the D0 and D+ lifetimes. Using about 210000 D0 and 110000 D+ events we obtained the following values: 409.6±1.1 (statistical)±1.5 (systematic) fs for D0 and 1039.4±4.3 (statistical)±7.0 (systematic) fs for D+.

Using a large sample of Ds to Phi mu nu decays collected by the FOCUS photoproduction experiment at Fermilab, we present new measurements of two semileptonic form factor ratios: rV and r2. We find rV = 1.549 \pm 0.250 \pm 0.145 and r2 = 0.713 \pm 0.202 \pm 0.266. These values are consistent with the rV and r2 form factors measured for the process D+ to K*bar mu nu.

We present a new measurement of the branching ratio of the Cabibbo suppressed decay D^0\to \pi^-\mu^+\nu relative to the Cabibbo favored decay D^0\to K^-\mu^+\nu and an improved measurement of the ratio |\frac{f_+^{\pi}(0)}{f_+^{K}(0)}|. Our results are 0.074 \pm 0.008 \pm 0.007 for the branching ratio and 0.85 \pm 0.04 \pm 0.04 \pm 0.01 for the form factor ratio, respectively.

During the summer 2006, a first integrated test of a part of the CMS experiment was performed at CERN collecting a data sample of several millions of cosmic rays events. A fraction of the Resistive Plate Chambers system was successfully operated. Results on the RPC performance are reported.

Results from the gas gain monitoring (GGM) system for the RPC muon detector in the CMS experiment at the LHC are presented. The system is designed to provide fast and accurate determination of any shift in the working point of the chambers due to gas mixture changes.

The CMS muon system includes in both the barrel and endcap region Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC). They mainly serve as trigger detectors and also improve the reconstruction of muon parameters. Over the years, the instantaneous luminosity of the Large Hadron Collider gradually increases. During the LHC Phase 1 (~first 10 years of operation) an ultimate luminosity is expected above its design value of 10^34/cm^2/s at 14 TeV. To prepare the machine and also the experiments for this, two long shutdown periods are scheduled for 2013-2014 and 2018-2019. The CMS Collaboration is planning several detector upgrades during these long shutdowns. In particular, the muon detection system should be able to maintain a low-pT threshold for an efficient Level-1 Muon Trigger at high particle rates. One of the measures to ensure this, is to extend the present RPC system with the addition of a 4th layer in both endcap regions. During the first long shutdown, these two new stations will be equipped in the region |eta|<1.6 with 144 High Pressure Laminate (HPL) double-gap RPCs operating in avalanche mode, with a similar design as the existing CMS endcap chambers. Here, we present the upgrade plans for the CMS RPC system for the fist long shutdown, including trigger simulation studies for the extended system, and details on the new HPL production, the chamber assembly and the quality control procedures.

Abstract The present generation of Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) are radiation hard detectors, capable of detecting effciently particle rates of several MHz/cm 2 , while exhibiting good spatial resolution (≤ 50 µm) and modest time resolution of 5-10 ns, which satisfies the current generation of experiments (High Luminosity LHC upgrades of CMS and ATLAS) but it is not sufficient for bunch crossing identification of fast timing systems at FCC-hh. Thanks to the application of thin resistive films such as Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) a new detector concept was conceived: Fast Timing MPGD (FTM). In the FTM the drift volume of the detector has been divided in several layers each with their own amplification structure. The use of resistive electrodes makes the entire structure transparent for electrical signals. After some first initial encouraging results, progress has been slowed down due to problems with the wet-etching of DLC-coated polyimide foils. To solve these problems a more in-depth knowledge of the internal stress of the DLC together with the DLC-polyimide adhesion is required. We will report on the production of DLC films produced in Italy with Ion Beam Sputtering and Pulsed Laser Deposition, where we are searching to improve the adhesion of the thin DLC films, combined with a very high uniformity of the resistivity values.

The CMS experiment, located at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in CERN, has a redundant muon system composed by three different gaseous detector technologies: Cathode Strip Chambers (in the forward regions), Drift Tubes (in the central region), and Resistive Plate Chambers (both its central and forward regions). All three are used for muon reconstruction and triggering. The CMS RPC system confers robustness and redundancy to the muon trigger. The RPC system operation in the challenging background and pileup conditions of the LHC environment is presented. The RPC system provides information to all muon track finders and thus contributing to both muon trigger and reconstruction. The summary of the detector performance results obtained with proton-proton collision at √s = 13 TeV during 2016 and 2017 data taking have been presented. The stability of the system is presented in terms of efficiency and cluster size vs time and increasing instantaneous luminosity. Data-driven predictions about the expected performance during High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) stage have been reported.

Abstract A new generation of resistive plate chambers, capable of withstanding high particle fluxes (up to 2000 Hz · cm -2 ) and instrumented with precise timing readout electronics is proposed to equip two of the four high pseudorapidity stations of the CMS muon system. Double-gap RPC detectors, with each gap made of two 1.4 mm High Pressure Laminate electrodes and separated by a gas gap of the same thickness, are proposed. The new layout reduces the amount of the avalanche charge produced by the passage of a charged particle through the detector. This improves the RPC rate capability by reducing the needed time to collect this charge. To keep the RPC efficiency high, a sensitive, low-noise and high time resolution front-end electronics is needed to cope with the lower charge signal of the new RPC. An ASIC called PETIROC that has all these characteristics has been selected to read out the strips of new chambers. Thin (0.6 mm) printed circuit board, 160 cm long, equipped with pickup strips of 0.75 cm average pitch, will be inserted between the two new RPC's gaps. The strips will be read out from both ends, and the arrival time difference of the two ends will be used to determine the hit position along the strip. Results from the improved RPC equipped with the new readout system and exposed to cosmic muons in the high irradiation environment at CERN GIF++ facility are presented in this work.

Studies of the decay D0 → K−μ+νμ are reported by Fermilab photoproduction experiment E687. The ratio BR(D0→ K−μ+νμ)BR(D0→ K−π+) is determined to be 0.852 ± 0.034 (statistical) ± 0.028 (systematic). Using this result and an isospin argument we infer the ratio BR(D0→ K∗−μ+νμ)BR(D0→ K−μ+νμ)= 0.62 ± 0.07 ± 0.09. The pole mass from the single pole form factor is measured to be Mpole = 1.87−0.08−0.06+0.11+0.07 GeV/c2. Using Mpole and BR(D0→ K−μ+νμ)BR(D0→ K−π+), we calculate |f + (0)| = 0.71 ± 0.03 ± 0.03. We also measure the ratio f − (0)f + (0)= −1.3−3.4+3.6± 0.6.

We report on the results of a search for fourteen flavor changing neutral current, lepton number violating, or lepton family number violating decays of the charmed meson D+ in the large charm sample recorded by the Fermilab photoproduction experiment E687. No evidence is seen for these rare and standard-model-forbidden decays, of the form D+ → h±ℓ∓ℓ+ (with h = π, K and ℓ = e, μ); we determine 90% confidence level upper limits on their absolute branching fractions in the range (9–20) × 10−5.

We report precise measurements of the D0 and D+ meson lifetimes by the E687 Collaboration at Fermilab. The measurements have been made using 16000 fully reconstructed decays of the D0 into the K−π+ and K−π+π−π+ final states and 9000 decays of the D+ into the K−π+π+ final state. The lifetimes of the D0 and D+ mesons are measured to be 0.413±0.004±0.003 ps and 1.048±0.015±01011 ps respectively.

The Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) sensitivity to neutrons has been simulated using GEANT code with MICAP and FLUKA interfaces. The calculations have been performed as a function of the neutrons energy in the range 0.02 eV–1 GeV. To evaluate the response of the detector in the LHC background environment, the neutron energy spectrum expected in the CMS muon barrel has been taken into account; a hit rate due to neutrons of about 0.6 Hz cm−2 has been estimated for a 250×250cm2 RPC in the RB1 station.

A precise determination of the charm-strange baryon Cascade(c)+ lifetime is presented. The data were accumulated by the Fermilab high-energy photoproduction experiment FOCUS. The measurement is made with 300 Cascade(c)+ --> Cascade- pi+ pi+ decays, 130 Cascade(c)+ --> Sigma+ K- pi+ decays, 45 Cascade(c)+ --> p K- pi+ decays and 58 Cascade(c)+ --> Lambda K- pi+ pi+ decays. The Cascade(c)+ lifetime is measured to be 0.439+/-0.022+/-0.009 ps.

A method to simulate the Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) γ sensitivity has been developed using a Monte Carlo code. The sensitivity has been evaluated as a function of the γ energy in the range 0.1–100 MeV and for different spectra. To evaluate the response of the detector in a Large Hadron Collider (LHC) background environment the γ energy spectrum expected in the CMS muon barrel has been taken into account and the RPC γ sensitivity evaluated as a function of the detector size.

We present the first clear observation of the doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay D+→K−K+K+ and the first observation of the singly Cabibbo suppressed decay Ds+→K−K+K+. These signals have been obtained by analyzing the high statistics sample of photoproduced charm particles of the FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab. We measure the following relative branching ratios: Γ(D+→K−K+K+)/Γ(D+→K−π+π+)=(9.49±2.17±0.22)×10−4 and Γ(Ds+→K−K+K+)/Γ(Ds+→K−K+π+)=(8.95±2.12+2.24−2.31)×10−3, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic.

Using the FOCUS spectrometer with photon beam energies between 20 and 160 \gev, we confirm the existence of a diffractively photoproduced enhancement in $K^+K^-$ at 1750 \mevcc with nearly 100 times the statistics of previous experiments. Assuming this enhancement to be a single resonance with a Breit-Wigner mass shape, we determine its mass to be $1753.5\pm 1.5\pm 2.3$ \mevcc and its width to be $122.2\pm 6.2\pm 8.0$ \mevcc. We find no corresponding enhancement at 1750 \mevcc in $K^*K$, and again neglecting any possible interference effects we place limits on the ratio $\Gamma (X(1750) \to K^*K)/\Gamma (X(1750) \to K^+K^-)$. Our results are consistent with previous photoproduction experiments, but, because of the much greater statistics, challenge the common interpretation of this enhancement as the $\phi (1680)$ seen in $e^+e^-$ annihilation experiments.

A high statistics measurement of the Lambda(+)(c) lifetime from the Fermilab fixed-target FOCUS photoproduction experiment is presented. We describe the analysis technique with particular attention to the determination of the systematic uncertainty. The measured value of 204.6 +/- 3.4 (stat) +/- 2.5 (syst) fs from 8034 +/- 122 Lambda(+)(c)-->pK(-)pi(+) decays represents a significant improvement over the present world average.

Received 13 February 2002DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.159903©2002 American Physical Society

Using data collected by the high energy photoproduction experiment FOCUS at Fermilab we study the doubly and singly Cabibbo suppressed decays D+ and Ds+ --> K+ pi+ pi-. Branching ratios and Dalitz plot analyses are performed.

The CMS detector at the LHC has a redundant muon system.Two independent muon systems are used in the L1 trigger.One of them is based on wire chambers, the other on RPC detectors.Properly combining the answers of the two systems results in a highly efficient L1 trigger with high flexibility from the point of view of rate control.Simulation results show, however, that the RPC system suffers from false triggers caused by coincidence of spurious hits.System improvements, which could avoid oiling the chambers, are possible.RPCs have also proved to be very useful for muon track reconstruction.

Using data collected by the fixed target Fermilab experiment FOCUS, we measure the branching ratios of the Cabibbo-favored decays Ξc+→Σ+K−π+, Ξc+→Σ+K̄∗(892)0, and Ξc+→Λ0K−π+π+ relative to Ξc+→Ξ−π+π+ to be 0.91±0.11±0.04, 0.78±0.16±0.06, and 0.28±0.06±0.06, respectively. We report the first observation of the Cabibbo-suppressed decay Ξc+→Σ+K+K− and we measure the branching ratio relative to Ξc+→Σ+K−π+ to be 0.16±0.06±0.01. We also set 90% confidence level upper limits for Ξc+→Σ+φ and Ξc+→Ξ∗(1690)0(Σ+K−)K+ relative to Ξc+→Σ+K−π+ to be 0.12 and 0.05, respectively. We find an indication of the decays Ξc+→Ω−K+π+ and Ξc+→Σ∗(1385)+K̄0 and set 90% confidence level upper limits for the branching ratios with respect to Ξc+→Ξ−π+π+ to be 0.12 and 1.72, respectively. Finally, we determine the 90% C.L. upper limit for the resonant contribution Ξc+→Ξ∗(1530)0π+ relative to Ξc+→Ξ−π+π+ to be 0.10.

We apply a genetic programming technique to search for the doubly Cabibbo suppressed decays Λc+→pK+π− and Ds+→K+K+π−. We normalize these decays to their Cabibbo favored partners and find BR(Λc+→pK+π−)/BR(Λc+→pK−π+)=(0.05±0.26±0.02)% and BR(Ds+→K+K+π−)/BR(Ds+→K−K+π+)=(0.52±0.17±0.11)% where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic. Expressed as 90% confidence levels (CL), we find <0.46 and <0.78%, respectively. This is the first successful use of genetic programming in a high energy physics data analysis.

During 2013 and 2014 (Long Shutdown LS1) the CMS experiment is upgrading the forward region installing a fourth layer of RPC detectors in order to complete and improve the muon system performances in the view of the foreseen high luminosity run of LHC. The new two endcap disks consists of 144 double-gap RPC chambers assembled at three different production sites: CERN, Ghent (Belgium) and BARC (India). The chamber components as well as the final detectors are subjected to full series of tests established in parallel at all the production sites.

The Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) are employed in the CMS Experiment at the LHC as dedicated trigger system both in the barrel and in the endcap. This article presents results of the radiation background measurements performed with the 2011 and 2012 proton-proton collision data collected by CMS. Emphasis is given to the measurements of the background distribution inside the RPCs. The expected background rates during the future running of the LHC are estimated both from extrapolated measurements and from simulation.

A precise measurement of the ${\mathit{D}}_{\mathit{s}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ meson lifetime is reported. The data were accumulated by the high energy photoproduction experiment E687 at Fermilab in the 1990--1991 fixed target run. The measurement has been done using 900 fully reconstructed ${\mathit{D}}_{\mathit{s}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\varphi}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ decays. The lifetime of the ${\mathit{D}}_{\mathit{s}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ meson is measured to be 0.475\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.020\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007 ps.

Measurements of the mass and lifetime of the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$ decaying into ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$ are presented. The data were accumulated by the Fermilab high-energy photoproduction experiment E687. The mass of the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}_{\mathit{c}}^{+}$ is measured to be 2464.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.4 MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$ and the lifetime is measured to be 0.${41}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}0.08}^{+0.11}$\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 ps.

A 3 mm wide-gap Resistive Plate Chamber, as proposed for CMS, has been tested in the H2 Cern beam line. Results on efficiency, rate capability, time resolution and cluster size are reported.

In this paper a model simulating the main aspects of avalanche growth and signal development in Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) is presented. The model has been used to compute the performances, in particular, charge distribution and efficiency of single- double- and multi-gap RPCs, and to compare them with the available experimental results. This model could be used to optimize the characteristics of this type of detector with a view to its use in the future large experiments at LHC: ATLAS and CMS.

The fermilab high-energy photoproduction experiment E687 provides a sample of approximately 90 events of the decay mode D+s→ φμ+ ν. The ratios of the form factors governing the decay are measured to be Rv=1.8±0.9±0.2 and R2= 1.1±0.8±0.1, implying a polarization of Г1/Гt = 1.0±0.5±0.1 for the electron decay, consistent with our measurement of the form factor for the decay D+ → K∗0 μ+ ν.