Forward reactions and the exploration of particle dynamics

Since the polarization structure of reactions in the collinear directions is greatly simplified, since reactions at very high energies tend to be predominantly close to collinear, and since the one-particle exchange mechanisms are more pronounced in the forward direction, tests of one-particle-exchange (OPE) mechanisms are formulated for collinear reactions. The number of amplitudes are derived for a reaction with arbitrary spins, and examples for the practically occurring cases are given. The results are applied to the reaction 1/2+1/21+1 and in particular ton+pd+ (or to its inverse). A detailed procedure is outlined for a step-by-step testing of the various OPE processes in this reaction through a series of polarization experiments. In particular, the tests can separate out theJ=0 andJ=1/2 OPE processes.