Search for the rare π⁰ decay into 3 photons at MAMI

The rare decay of the neutral π⁰ meson into 3 photons presents a unique possibility for a search of new, C-violating forces beyond the standard model. π⁰ → 3γ is effectively forbidden by charge conjugation invariance and one SM estimate for this branching ratio is 10^-31. This presentation shows a feasibility study for a future experiment at the tagged photon facility of MAMI (Glasgow Tagger) using Crystal Ball/TAPS detector setup together with particle identification detector (PID) and multi-wire proportional chambers (MWPCs). The CB detector is a high resolution spectrometer specifically designed to detect neutral final states and therefore well-suited for this task.