We study theoretically the structure and formation of the deeply bound $\bar{ p}$ atoms. We find that the widths of the atomic states are narrower than the level spacing even for deeply bound states so that the well-isolated deeply bound $\bar{ p}$ atoms are expected to exist. We also find the $\bar{ p}$-nuclear states with huge widths. For the observation of the deep $ { \bar p}$-atomic states, we investigate theoretically the $(\bar{ p}, p)$ reactions for $^{ 12}$C, $^{ 16}$O, and $^{ 31}$P target nuclei. We find that the momentum transfer of the $( { \bar p},p)$ reaction is small and the formation of the $ { \bar p}$-atomic states can be observed as the discrete peak structures in the $( { \bar p},p)$ spectrum. We conclude that the $(\bar{ p}, p)$ reactions are very much suited for the $\bar{ p}$ atom formation and the spectra of the reaction are expected to provide new valuable information on the $ { \bar p}$ atoms and $ { \bar p}$-nucleus interaction.
Categories: hep-ph nucl-th