Pion nucleus single charge exchange reactions above the Δ(1232) resonance

Forward-angle differential cross sections for the (π+, π0) reaction leading to the Isobaric Analog State in the residual nuclei at 300, 425, 500 and 550 MeV have been measured. Targets ranged in mass from 7Li to 208Pb. A description of the experimental setup and the analysis is presented. The 00 cross sections are found to rise markedly between 300 and 425 MeV, contrary to the extrapolation from the lower energy data and to the behavior of the free pion-nucleon single charge exchange process. The angular distributions are sharply forward peaked. Systematics of the data indicate increased volume penetration with increasing pion beam energy. The cross sections are compared with the results of Glauber model calculations indicating the significance of higher order processes even at these energies. 67 refs., 40 figs., 22 tabs