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S. V. Donskov

Publications and source records attributed to S. V. Donskov.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

First Observation of an Exotic Reggeon

We present new \compass high-statistics measurements of the peripheral production of $ηπ^-$ and $η^\prime π^-$ pairs in the reactions $π^- p \to η^{(\prime)}π^- p$. For the first time, we perform an unbinned analysis of the high-mass region of the $ηπ^-$ and $η^\primeπ^-$ systems, which allows us to disentangle the exchange mechanisms governing their production. We report the first observation in high-energy scattering of an exotic Reggeon with high significance exceeding $5\,σ$ for both channels, which is, most likely, related to the exotic $π_1(1600)$.8

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arXiv2026

Improved limits on a new $Z'$ in $B-L$ scenarios with the NA64 experiment at CERN

Extensions of the Standard Model featuring an additional $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge symmetry provide a compelling framework linking the origin of neutrino masses to possible dark matter candidates. The associated gauge boson, $Z'$, couples directly to Standard Model fermions and can be produced in fixed-target experiments through electron-nucleus interactions. In this work, we present new constraints on the coupling constant $g_{B-L}$ obtained with the NA64 experiment using the full electron-beam dataset collected between 2016 and 2022, corresponding to $(9.4\pm0.5)\times10^{11}$ electrons on target. The analysis includes the resonant $e^{+}e^{-}$ annihilation production channel, which enhances sensitivity in the mass range $m_{Z'}\in[200,300]$ MeV. The larger dataset provides approximately three times the statistics of previous analyses, thereby improving sensitivity. For the unbroken $U(1)_{B-L}$ case, the new limits exceed those from dedicated neutrino-scattering experiments, providing the most stringent laboratory bounds on $g_{B-L}$ for sub-GeV masses of the new boson. In scenarios where the $Z'$ couples to dark matter, the decay width is dominated by invisible channels, and the corresponding exclusion limits can be directly derived from the NA64 invisible-mode analysis.

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arXiv2026

A search for the dark photon in the OKA experiment

A search for the massless dark photon in the decay $K^{+}\to π^{+}π^{0}\overline{{} γ}$ is performed with the OKA detector exposed to 17.7 GeV/c RF separated secondary beam of the U70 Proton Synchrotron. A high-statistics data sample of the $K^{+}$ decays is used for a missing mass search of the stable massless invisible dark photon ($\overlineγ$) in the final state. In the absence of a statistically valuable signal the upper limit on the branching ratio of the decay $Br<2.0\times10^{-6}$ is obtained with a 90% confidence level based on a realistic matrix element of the process. Currently, it is the best upper limit for this hypothetical decay channel.

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arXiv2025

Dihadron Transverse-Spin Asymmetries in Muon-Deuteron Deep-Inelastic Scattering

In 2022, the COMPASS collaboration performed semi-inclusive measurements of deep-inelastic muon-scattering on a transversely polarised deuteron (6LiD) target. From these data, transverse-spin-dependent dihadron asymmetries are extracted using pairs of oppositely charged hadrons. These asymmetries are directly sensitive to the quark transversity distributions and provide an independent handle on these fundamental quantities with respect to the Collins asymmetries measured in single-hadron production. The present results significantly improve upon the previous COMPASS deuteron measurements, which were the only available deuteron data worldwide, and reach a statistical precision comparable to that of the existing proton results from COMPASS. A small but nonzero asymmetry is observed at large Bjorken-x, consistent with theoretical expectations. A point-by-point extraction of the valence-quark transversity distributions yields, in particular, a substantially improved determination of the d-quark transversity. These measurements represent a major step towards a complete flavour mapping of the transverse-spin structure of the nucleon.

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arXiv2025

Proof of principle for a light dark matter search with low-energy positron beams at NA64

Thermal light dark matter (LDM) with particle masses in the 1 MeV - 1 GeV range could successfully explain the observed dark matter abundance as a relic from the primordial Universe. In this picture, a new feeble interaction acts as a "portal" between the Standard Model and LDM particles, allowing for the exploration of this paradigm at accelerator experiments. In the last years, the "missing energy" experiment NA64e at CERN SPS (Super Proton Synchrotron) has set world-leading constraints in the vector-mediated LDM parameter space, by exploiting a 100 GeV electron beam impinging on an electromagnetic calorimeter, acting as an active target. In this paper, we report a detailed description of the analysis of a preliminary measurement with a 70 GeV positron beam at NA64e, performed during summer 2023 with an accumulated statistic of 1.6 x 10^10 positrons on target. This data set was analyzed with the primary aim of evaluating the performance of the NA64e detector with a lower energy positron beam, towards the realization of the post-LS3 program. The analysis results, other than additionally probing unexplored regions in the LDM parameter space, provide valuable information towards the future NA64e positron campaign.

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arXiv2025

Searching for Light Dark Matter and Dark Sectors with the NA64 experiment at the CERN SPS

Since its approval in 2016, NA64 has pioneered light dark matter (LDM) searches with electron, positron, muon, and hadron beams. The experiment has successfully met its primary objectives, as outlined in the EPPS input (2018), and even exceeded them, producing results that demonstrate its ability to operate in a near-background-free environment. The Physics Beyond Collider (PBC) initiative at CERN recognizes NA64's contributions as complementary and worthy of continued exploration. Its key advantage over beam-dump approaches is that the signal rate scales as the square of the coupling rather than the fourth power, reducing the required number of beam particles for the same sensitivity. To fully exploit the NA64 physics potential, an upgrade during LS3 will enable the experiment to run in background-free mode at higher SPS beam rates. Planned upgrades include: (a) improved detector hermeticity with a new veto hadron calorimeter, (b) enhanced particle identification with a synchrotron radiation detector, and (c) increased beam rates via upgraded electronics. With the recently strengthened NA64 collaboration, stable operations and timely data analysis are planned for LHC Run 4. The expected beam exposures are approximately 1e13 electrons, 1e11 positrons (at 40 and 60 GeV), and 2e13 muons on target. This will allow NA64 to explore new LDM parameter space, with the potential for discovery or conclusive exclusion of many well-motivated models.

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arXiv2025

Spectroscopy of Strange Mesons and First Observation of a Strange Crypto-Exotic State with $J^P=0^-$

We measured the strange-meson spectrum in the scattering reaction $K^{-}+p \rightarrow K^{-}π^{-}π^{-}+p$ with the COMPASS spectrometer at CERN. Using the world's largest sample of this reaction, we performed a comprehensive partial-wave analysis of the mesonic final state. It substantially extends the strange-meson spectrum covering twelve states with masses up to 2.4 GeV/$c^2$. We observe the first candidate for a crypto-exotic strange meson with $J^{P}=0^{-}$ and find $K_3$ and $K_4$ states consistent with predictions for the ground states.

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arXiv2025

High efficiency veto hadron calorimeter in the NA64 experiment at CERN

NA64 is a fixed-target experiment at the CERN SPS designed to search for Light particle Dark Matter (LDM) candidates with masses in the sub-GeV range. During the 2016-2022 runs, the experiment obtained the world-leading constraints, leaving however part of the well-motivated region of parameter space suggested by benchmark LDM models still unexplored. To further improve sensitivity, as part of the upgrades to the setup of NA64 at the CERN SPS H4 beamline, a prototype veto hadron calorimeter (VHCAL) was installed in the downstream region of the experiment during the 2023 run. The VHCAL, made of Cu-Sc layers, was expected to be an efficient veto against upstream electroproduction of large-angle hadrons or photon-nuclear interactions, reducing the background from secondary particles escaping the detector acceptance. With the collected statistics of $4.4\times10^{11}$ electrons on target (EOT), we demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by rejecting this background by more than an order of magnitude. This result provides an essential input for designing a full-scale optimized VHCAL to continue running background-free during LHC Run 4, when we expect to collect $10^{13}$ EOT. Furthermore, this technique combined with improvements in the analysis enables us to decrease our missing energy threshold from 50 GeV to 40 GeV thereby enhancing the signal sensitivity of NA64.

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arXiv2024

Measurement of the hard exclusive $π^{0}$ muoproduction cross section at COMPASS

A new and detailed measurement of the cross section for hard exclusive neutral-pion muoproduction on the proton was performed in a wide kinematic region, with the photon virtuality $Q^2$ ranging from 1 to 8 (GeV/$c$)$^{\rm\, 2}$ and the Bjorken variable $x_{\rm Bj}$ ranging from 0.02 to 0.45. The data were collected at COMPASS at CERN using 160 GeV/$c$ longitudinally polarised $μ^+$ and $μ^-$ beams scattering off a 2.5 m long liquid hydrogen target. From the average of the measured $μ^+$ and $μ^-$ cross sections, the virtual-photon--proton cross section is determined as a function of the squared four-momentum transfer between the initial and final state proton in the range 0.08 (GeV/$c$)$^{\rm\, 2}$ $< |t| <$ 0.64 (GeV/$c$)$^{\rm\, 2}$. From its angular distribution, the combined contribution of transversely and longitudinally polarised photons are determined, as well as transverse--transverse and longitudinal--transverse interference contributions. They are studied as functions of four-momentum transfer $|t|$, photon virtuality $Q^2$ and virtual-photon energy $ν$. The longitudinal--transverse interference contribution is found to be compatible with zero. The significant transverse--transverse interference contribution reveals the existence of a dominant contribution by transversely polarized photons. This provides clear experimental evidence for the chiral-odd GPD $\overline{E}_T$. In addition, the existence of a non-negligible contribution of longitudinally polarized photons is suggested by the $|t|$-dependence of the cross section at $x_{\rm Bj} < $ 0.1 . Altogether, these results provide valuable input for future modelling of GPDs and thus of cross sections for exclusive pseudo-scalar meson production. Furthermore, they can be expected to facilitate the study of next-to-leading order corrections and higher-twist contributions.

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arXiv2024

Multiplicities of positive and negative pions, kaons and unidentified hadrons from deep-inelastic scattering of muons off a liquid hydrogen target

The multiplicities of positive and negative pions, kaons and unidentified hadrons produced in deep-inelastic scattering are measured in bins of the Bjorken scaling variable $x$, the relative virtual-photon energy $y$ and the fraction of the virtual-photon energy transferred to the final-state hadron $z$. Data were obtained by the COMPASS Collaboration using a 160 GeV muon beam of both electric charges and a liquid hydrogen target. These measurements cover the kinematic domain with photon virtuality $Q^2 > 1$ (GeV/$c)^2$, $0.004 < x < 0.4$, $0.1 < y < 0.7$ and $0.2 < z < 0.85$, in accordance with the kinematic domain used in earlier published COMPASS multiplicity measurements with an isoscalar target. The calculation of radiative corrections was improved by using the Monte Carlo generator DJANGOH, which results in up to 12\% larger corrections in the low-$x$ region.

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arXiv2024

Shedding light on Dark Sectors with high-energy muons at the NA64 experiment at the CERN SPS

A search for Dark Sectors is performed using the unique M2 beam line at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron. New particles ($X$) could be produced in the bremsstrahlung-like reaction of high energy 160 GeV muons impinging on an active target, $μN\rightarrowμNX$, followed by their decays, $X\rightarrow\text{invisible}$. The experimental signature would be a scattered single muon from the target, with about less than half of its initial energy and no activity in the sub-detectors located downstream the interaction point. The full sample of the 2022 run is analyzed through the missing energy/momentum channel, with a total statistics of $(1.98\pm0.02)\times10^{10}$ muons on target. We demonstrate that various muon-philic scenarios involving different types of mediators, such as scalar or vector particles, can be probed simultaneously with such a technique. For the vector-case, besides a $L_μ-L_τ$ $Z'$ vector boson, we also consider an invisibly decaying dark photon ($A'\rightarrow\text{invisible}$). This search is complementary to NA64 running with electrons and positrons, thus, opening the possibility to expand the exploration of the thermal light dark matter parameter space by combining the results obtained with the three beams.

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arXiv2024

The upper limit on the $K^+ \to π^0π^0π^0e^+ν$ decay

A search for the $K^{+} \to π^{0}π^{0}π^{0}e^+ν$ decay is performed by the OKA collaboration. The search is based on $3.65 \times 10^9 ~ K^+$ decays. No signal is observed. The upper limit set is $BR(K^{+} \to π^{0}π^{0}π^{0}e^+ν) < 5.4\times 10^{-8} ~ 90\%$ CL, 65 times lower than the one currently listed by PDG.

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arXiv2024

First constraints on the $L_μ-L_τ$ explanation of the muon $g-2$ anomaly from NA64-$e$ at CERN

The inclusion of an additional $U(1)$ gauge $L_μ-L_τ$ symmetry would release the tension between the measured and the predicted value of the anomalous muon magnetic moment: this paradigm assumes the existence of a new, light $Z^\prime$ vector boson, with dominant coupling to $μ$ and $τ$ leptons and interacting with electrons via a loop mechanism. The $L_μ-L_τ$ model can also explain the Dark Matter relic abundance, by assuming that the $Z'$ boson acts as a "portal" to a new Dark Sector of particles in Nature, not charged under known interactions. In this work we present the results of the $Z'$ search performed by the NA64-$e$ experiment at CERN SPS, that collected $\sim 9\times10^{11}$ 100 GeV electrons impinging on an active thick target. Despite the suppressed $Z'$ production yield with an electron beam, NA64-$e$ provides the first accelerator-based results excluding the $g-2$ preferred band of the $Z'$ parameter space in the 1 keV $ < m_{Z'} \lesssim 2$ MeV range, in complementarity with the limits recently obtained by the NA64-$μ$ experiment with a muon beam.

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arXiv2024

50 GeV $π^-$ in, nothing out: a sensitive probe of invisible $η$ and $η'$ decays with NA64h

We present the first results from a proof-of-concept search for dark sectors via invisible decays of pseudoscalar $η$ and $η'$ mesons in the NA64h experiment at the CERN SPS. Our novel technique uses the charge-exchange reaction of 50 GeV $π^-$ on nuclei of an active target as the source of neutral mesons. The $η, η' \to invisible$ events would exhibit themselves via a striking signature - the complete disappearance of the incoming beam energy in the detector. No evidence for such events has been found with $2.9\times10^{9}$ pions on target accumulated during one day of data taking. This allows us to set a stringent limit on the branching ratio ${\rm Br}(η' \to invisible) < 2.1 \times 10^{-4}$ improving the current bound by a factor of $\simeq3$. We also set a limit on ${\rm Br}(η\to invisible) < 1.1 \times 10^{-4}$ comparable with the existing one. These results demonstrate the great potential of our approach and provide clear guidance on how to enhance and extend the sensitivity for dark sector physics from future searches for invisible neutral meson decays.

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arXiv2024

Searches for the light invisible axion-like particle in $K^{+}\toπ^{+}π^{0}a$ decay

A high statistics data sample of the $K^{+}$ decays is recorded by the OKA collaboration. A missing mass analysis is performed to search for a light invisible pseudoscalar axion-like particle (ALP) $a$ in the decay $K^{+} \to π^{+} π^{0} a$. No signal is observed, the upper limits for the branching ratio of the decay are calculated. The $90\%$ confidence level upper limit is changing from $2.5\cdot10^{-6}$ to $2\cdot10^{-7}$ for the ALP mass from 0 to 200 MeV/$c^{2}$, except for the region of $π^{0}$ mass, where the upper limit is $4.4\cdot10^{-6}$.

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arXiv2024

Exploration of the Muon $g-2$ and Light Dark Matter explanations in NA64 with the CERN SPS high energy muon beam

We report on a search for a new $Z'$ ($L_μ-L_τ$) vector boson performed at the NA64 experiment employing a high energy muon beam and a missing energy-momentum technique. Muons from the M2 beamline at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron with a momentum of 160 GeV/c are directed to an active target. A signal event is a single scattered muon with momentum $<$ 80 GeV/c in the final state, accompanied by missing energy, i.e. no detectable activity in the downstream calorimeters. For a total statistic of $(1.98\pm0.02)\times10^{10}$ muons on target, no event is observed in the expected signal region. This allows us to set new limits on part of the remaining $(m_{Z'},\ g_{Z'})$ parameter space which could provide an explanation for the muon $(g-2)_μ$ anomaly. Additionally, our study excludes part of the parameter space suggested by the thermal Dark Matter relic abundance. Our results pave the way to explore Dark Sectors and light Dark Matter with muon beams in a unique and complementary way to other experiments.

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arXiv2023

High-statistics measurement of Collins and Sivers asymmetries for transversely polarised deuterons

New results are presented on a high-statistics measurement of Collins and Sivers asymmetries of charged hadrons produced in deep inelastic scattering of muons on a transversely polarised $^6$LiD target. The data were taken in 2022 with the COMPASS spectrometer using the 160 \gevv\ muon beam at CERN, balancing the existing data on transversely polarised proton targets. The first results from about two-thirds of the new data have total uncertainties smaller by up to a factor of three compared to the previous deuteron measurements. Using all the COMPASS proton and deuteron results, both the transversity and the Sivers distribution functions of the $u$ and $d$ quark, as well as the tensor charge in the measured $x$-range are extracted. In particular, the accuracy of the $d$ quark results is significantly improved.

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arXiv2023

Final COMPASS results on the transverse-spin-dependent azimuthal asymmetries in the pion-induced Drell-Yan process

The COMPASS Collaboration performed measurements of the Drell-Yan process in 2015 and 2018 using a 190 GeV/c $π^{-}$ beam impinging on a transversely polarised ammonia target. Combining the data of both years, we present final results on the amplitudes of the five azimuthal modulations in the dimuon production cross section. Three of these transverse-spin-dependent azimuthal asymmetries (TSAs) probe the nucleon leading-twist Sivers, transversity, and pretzelosity transverse-momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions (PDFs). The other two are induced by subleading effects. These TSAs provide unique new inputs for the study of the nucleon TMD PDFs and their universality properties. In particular, the Sivers TSA observed in this measurement is consistent with the fundamental QCD prediction of a sign change of naive time-reversal-odd TMD PDFs when comparing the Drell-Yan process with semi-inclusive measurements of deep inelastic scattering. Also, within the context of model predictions, the observed transversity TSA is consistent with the expectation of a sign change for the Boer-Mulders function.

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