X-ray transition yields of low-Z kaonic atoms produced in Kapton

The X-ray transition yields of kaonic atoms produced in Kapton polyimide (C(22)HiON(2)O(5)) were measured for the first time in the SIDDHARTA experiment. X-ray yields of the kaonic atoms with low atomic numbers (Z = 6,7, and 8) and transitions with high principal quantum numbers (n = 5-8) were determined. The relative yields of the successive transitions in the same atoms and the yield ratios of carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) and carbon-to-oxygen (C:O) for the same transitions were also determined. These X-ray yields provide important information for understanding the capture ratios and cascade mechanisms of kaonic atoms produced in a compound material, such as Kapton. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.