Dilepton production from virtual bremsstrahlung induced by proton capture

Abstract

Dilepton production following radiative capture of a proton on a nuclear target is studied in the Impulse Approximation. The cross section is decomposed in terms of four time-like nuclear structure functions through a longitudinal-transverse separation of the nuclear current. Using a simple PWIA model, cross sections and conversion factors are calculated for capture reactions p + n >> d + e^+ e^-, p + p >> 2He + e^+ e^- and p + 11B >> 12C + e^+ e^- at proton energies of 100-200 MeV. The result is compared with a recent measurement of the conversion factor for p + 11B.