Inclusive Neutral Pion Cross Section Measurement with the STAR Endcap Electromagnetic Calorimeter

The STAR endcap electromagnetic calorimeter (EEMC) is designed to allow measurement of cross sections and spin observables in the forward direction, $1 < \eta < 2$. Using the EEMC to measure double longitudinal spin asymmetries in photonic channels---such as inclusive $\pi^0$, prompt photon, and prompt photon + jet---allowes access to $\Delta G$, but covers a lower $x$ region than current mid-rapidity measurements. However, the high rate of conversions from material in front of the EEMC makes these photonic channels particularly challenging. Measuring the cross section for each channel verifies that the signal of interest can be properly reconstructed and isolated. Cross section measurements can also quantify the applicability of pQCD. Particle reconstruction with the STAR EEMC will be discussed, and the status of the neutral pion cross section measurement will be presented.