Formation of $η$-mesic Nuclei Using the Recoilless (d,$^3$He) Reaction

Abstract

We propose to use the recoilless (d,$^3$He) reaction to produce $η$-mesic nuclei. This reaction has been used to observe deeply bound pionic states and proven to be powerful recently. We calculate $η$-mesic bound states in the nucleus using an optical potential and their formation cross section with the Green function method. Then, we carefully check the experimental feasibility. We find that $η$-mesic nuclei can be observed experimentally using the (d,$^3$He) reaction. We also mention the possibility to study the formation of $ω$-mesic nuclei.