Photoproduction of Λ and Σ0 hyperons using linearly polarized photons

Abstract

Background: Measurements of polarization observables for the reactions γ - p→K+Λ and γ - p→K+Σ0 have been performed. This is part of a program of measurements designed to study the spectrum of baryon resonances in particular, and nonperturbative QCD in general. Purpose: The accurate measurement of several polarization observables provides tight constraints for phenomenological fits, which allow the study of strangeness in nucleon and nuclear systems. Beam-recoil observables for the γ - p→K+Σ0 reaction have not been reported before now. Method: The measurements were carried out using linearly polarized photon beams incident on a liquid hydrogen target, and the CLAS detector at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The energy range of the results is 1.71