Delta Delta Excitation in Proton-Proton Induced pi0pi0 Production

Exclusive measurements of the $pp \to ppπ^0π^0$ reaction have been performed at CELSIUS/WASA at energies from threshold up to $T_p$ = 1.3 GeV. Total and differential cross sections have been obtained. Here we concentrate on energies $T_p \ge$ 1 GeV, where the $ΔΔ$ excitation becomes the leading process. No evidence is found for a significant ABC effect beyond that given by the conventional $t$-channel $ΔΔ$ excitation. This holds also for the double-pionic fusion to the quasibound $^2$He. The data are compared to model predictions, which are based on both pion and $ρ$ exchange. Total and differential cross sections are at variance with these predictions and call for a profound modification of the $ρ$-exchange. A phenomenological modification allowing only a small $ρ$ exchange contribution leads to a quantitative description of the data.