Formation of kaonic atoms and kaonic nuclei in in-flight (Κ-, p) reactions

We theoretically study kaonic atom and kaonic nucleus formation in in-flight (Κ-, p) reactions for C, O, Si and Ca targets. Deeply bound kaonic atoms were previously predicted to exist as quasi-stable states, and it is expected that they can be observed using certain well-suited experimental methods. Kaonic nuclear states have also been predicted to exist with large widths. We evaluate the formation cross sections of kaonic atoms and kaonic nuclei using an effective number approach. We show that indications of kaonic bound states can be observed in the outgoing proton energy spectra. (author)