π+ absorption on 12C in the Δ(1232) region

Abstract A search for possible structure in the energy spectrum of forward going protons from the 12 C( π + , 3p)X reaction was undertaken. The measurement was done for π + momenta of 355, 375, and 405 MeV/ c . No narrow (less than 20 MeV) structure was found. A broad structure corresponding to a quasi-free scattering of the pion before capture, superimposed on a continuum background, was observed. The data indicate that additional free nucleons or light products are usually present in the final state.