The pd→3He η reaction near threshold -: art. no. 034906

The differential cross section for the reaction pd --> He-3 eta in the energy region 930-1100 MeV is investigated in a two-step model. The model assumes a pi meson to be produced in a first NN --> pid collision and the eta meson in a second piN --> etaN collision. Part of the angular dependence observed is ascribed to the piN --> etaN amplitude, through its dependence on the P-11 and D-13 resonances, but the main structure comes from the He-3 form factor. Fermi motion is taken into account, but does not seem to significantly change the results. The two-step model by itself is not completely successful in explaining the pd --> He-3 eta differential cross section, but basic features are reproduced.