Measuring Pair-Creation Angular Distributions with a Time Projection Chamber; Studies of the X17 Boson Resonance

The X17 boson has been proposed as an explanation for a resonance in the angular distributions of the electron and positron pair conversion from high-energy transitions in the ⁷Li(p,γ)⁸Be and ³H(p,γ)⁴He reactions. The confirmation of this resonance using other experimental setups is desired. A dedicated experiment is currently being planned to precisely measure the pair conversion electrons and positrons using the Prototype Active-Target Time-Projection Chamber (PAT-TPC). The e^+/- tracks from the transition of interest will be detected using the PAT-TPC that has been fitted with a 0.16 T solenoid magnet to allow for the bending and detection of the electron and positron tracks within the TPC. This technique will allow for the unambiguous identification of a pair conversion event and reduce the level of possible background contamination. The experimental setup and current development will be presented.