FIRST EVIDENCE FOR DIRECT CP VIOLATION

Search for a neutral Higgs particle in the decay sequence $K^{0}_{L} \to \pi^{0}H^{0}$ and $H^{0} \to e^{+}e^{-}$

Abstract We have searched for the sequence of decays K L 0 → π 0 H 0 and H 0 →e + e − at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS), and have allowed for a non-zero H 0 lifetime. Three candidates have been seen, consistent with an expected background of 3.3. Limits on the branching ratio product in the range 10 −8 –10 −7 are presented as a function of the mass and lifetime of the H 0 . These can be used to restrict the neutral Higgs of the minimal standard model.