New results on the K_L—>π⁰νν search with the KOTO detector

The KOTO experiment was designed to observe and study the _L—>π⁰νν decay. The Standard Model (SM) prediction for the mode is 2.4 x 10^-11 with a small theoretical uncertainty [1]. An experimental upper limit of 2.6 x 10^-8 was set by the KEK E391a collaboration [2]. The rare “golden” decay is ideal for probing for physics beyond the standard model. A comparison of experimentally obtained results with SM calculations permits a test of the quark flavor region and provides a means to search for new physics.

The signature of the decay is a pair of photons from the π⁰ decay and no other detected particles. For the measurement of the energies and positions of the photons, KOTO uses a Cesium Iodide (CSI) electromagnetic calorimeter as the main detector, and hermetic veto counters to guarantee that there are no other detected particles.

KOTO’s initial data was collected in 2013 and achieved a similar sensitivity as E391a result [3]. This presentation will present the newest results on the upper limit from KOTO and its search of detecting K_L—>π⁰νν.

[1] C. Bobeth, A. J. Buras, A. Celis, and M. Jung, J. High Energy Phys. 04, 079 (2017).

[2] J. K. Ahn et al., Phys. Rev. D 81, 072004 (2010).

[3] J. K. Ahn et al., Prog. Theor. Phys. 021C01 (2017).