On the observation of π-mesons emitted in the interaction in emulsion of K−-mesons

Among 1148 K/sup -/ stars observed in an IIford K5 stack, 390 pi - mesons and 12 doubtful pi -mesons were found. A pi /K/sup -/ ratio of STA39.2 + 1.3 plus or minus 2!% is given, higher than previous results. This value is subject to statistical fluotuations, errors in solid angle correction, and observational loss. Comparison with previous work shows that the scanning loss was chiefly among high-energy pi -mesons in K sigma /sub 1/ stars and multi- pronged events. This implies a larger proportion of LAMBDA /sup 0/ mesons produced in K/sup -/ + N interactions, and that pi -meson absorption is smaller than estimated. (T.R.H.)