The πd scattering length from Kα X-rays

Abstract X-rays from the K α transition (2P → 1S) of the π − d mesic atom have been observed. Their energy, 2592.8 −2.0 +1.6 , has been measured by the critical absorber technique, using the M V absorption edge in bismuth. The strong interaction shift in the 1S state is −4.8 eV, corresponding to a scattering length a ( π d) = −(0.052 −0.017 +0.022 ) m π −1 , in agreement with recent calculations. The intensity ratio K α /K total = 0.548 ± 0.015.