Reaction pn → Δ++(1238) Δ-(1238) at 5.9 GeV/c

We present a study of the reaction pn→pπ⁺π⁻n. The cross section is found to be 4.75 ± 0.25 mb at 5.9 GeV/c. Decay spherical-harmonic moments are presented for peripheral $\left|T_z\right|=\frac{3}{2}\pi N$ systems as a function of π N-invariant mass. The cross section for the quasi-two-body process pn→Δ⁺⁺Δ⁻ is found to be 1.90 ± 0.14 mb; the differential cross sections and isobar decays are also studied. The data are not consistent with the predictions of simple one-pion exchange.