Delta Delta excitation in proton-proton induced pi(0)pi(0) production

Exclusive measurements of the pp -> pp pi(0)pi(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 >= GeV. where the Delta Delta excitation becomes the leading process. No evidence is found for a significant ABC effect beyond that given by the conventional t-channel Delta Delta excitation. This holds also for the double-pionic fusion to the quasibound He-2. The data are compared to model predictions, which are based on both pi- and rho-exchange. Total and differential cross sections are at variance with these predictions and call for a profound modification of the rho-exchange. A phenomenological modification allowing only a small rho-exchange contribution leads to a quantitative description of the data.