A study of ππ → NN partial-wave amplitudes using hyperbolic dispersion relations

We investigate $\text{ππ →}\text{N}\text{N}$ partial-wave amplitudes, using a spin separation method based on hyperbolic dispersion relations. Partial-wave amplitudes with J ? 3 are dominant in the pseudophysical region between the ππ and $\text{N}\text{N}$ thresholds, but we find clear evidence for J = 4 and J = 5 contributions from regions near and above the $\text{N}\text{N}$ threshold. We isolate J = 2 and J = 3 partial waves and determine the couplings of f₀(1270) and g (1680). Knowing the high-spin contributions, we are able to eliminate thse and to study s- and p-waves. We find evidence for small p-wave contributions above the ?, having the same sign as the ? contributions. We develop methods for determining the I = J = 0 ππ scattering length a₀⁰ and find a₀⁰ = 0.30 ± 0.15.