Pion production in the d4He→6Li∗π0 reaction near threshold

The cross section for d 4He → 6Li3.56∗ π0 is estimated very close to threshold in a model where the d p → 3He π0 reaction is assumed to occur on one of the target nucleons. The calculation reproduces the observed strong angular dependence, arising from a large pionic s–p wave interference, but is not in accord with the reported energy dependence.