Latest results from GRAAL collaboration

The GRAAL experimental set-up consists of a polarized and tagged photon beam that covers an energy range from a minimum of 600 MeV up to a maximum of 1500 MeV, of a liquid Hydrogen or Deuterium target and of the 4π Lagrange detector optimized for photon detection. It allows the study of pseudo-scalar and vector meson photoproduction on the nucleon in the energy range corresponding to the second and the third resonance regions. In the following, the Σ beam asymmetries in η and π~0 photoproduction on quasi-free nucleon are shown. Also single and double polarization observables in K~+A photoproduction on free proton are shown; they are important to confirm the role of new or poorly known resonances in the 1900 MeV mass region.     

Recent results for single meson production from the Crystal-Barrel/TAPS experiment at ELSA

The present focus of the CBELSA/TAPS experiment is on meson-photoproduction off the nucleon using polarized photons and polarized targets. Here first preliminary results on the reactions γ~→p~→→ pπ~0 and γ~→p~→pη for both circularly and linearly polarized photons and a longitudinally polarized target are presented. Preliminary results for the beam asymmetry Σ and the double polarization observable G have been extracted for both reactions using the linear polarization data. From the circular polarization data the observable E has been determined. Due to the near 4π angular coverage of the detector system these results cover almost the full solid angle.     

Recent results for single meson production from the Crystal-Barrel/TAPS experiment at ELSA

The present focus of the CBELSA/TAPS experiment is on meson-photoproduction off the nucleon using polarized photons and polarized targets. Here first preliminary results on the reactions γp → pπ and γp → pπ for both circularly and linearly polarized photons and a longitudinally polarized target are presented. Preliminary results for the beam asymmetry ∑ and the double polarization observable G have been extracted for both reactions using the linear polarization data. From the circular polarization data the observable E has been determined. Due to the near 4π angular coverage of the detector system these results cover almost the full solid angle.     

Photoproduction of multi-meson final states-recent results from the Crystal-Barrel/TAPS experiment at ELSA-

Multi-meson final states such as γp→pπ~0π~0 and γp → pπ~0η have been investigated with the Crystal-Barrel/TAPS experiment at ELSA. Baryon cascades via △π and △η and also via higher mass baryon resonances are clearly observed. Based on this data and on data from other reactions a partial wave analysis has been performed from which partial decay widths of various N~* and △~* states into the different pπ~0π~0 and pπ~0η decay channels have been determined, leading partly to unexpected results. In addition, polarisation observables have been investigated. The beam asymmetry Σ has been determined for both reactions and double polarisation data using a longitudinally polarised target and a circularly or linearly polarised photon beam has been taken. Given the angular coverage of the Crystal-Barrel/TAPS experiment this data covers almost the full angular range and phase space. This data will provide new and important information for the partial wave analyses and bring us one step closer towards a complete experiment.     

$\phi$-Meson Photoproduction off the protons by using linearly polarized photons in the mid- to higher-$t$ regimes at threshold energies

Observables from vector meson photoproduction by linearly-polarized photons can be expressed in term of bilinear combinations of helicity amplitudes parameterized by the Spin Density Matrix Elements （SDMEs）. These SDMEs give straightforward relations for understanding the nature of the parity exchange at threshold energies, as well as for extracting signatures of the Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka violation. This paper will show preliminary measurements of SDMEs for γp →φp in the photon energy range of 1.7 to 1.9 GeV （momentum transfer squared t range of -1.2 to -0.25 GeV2） and 1.9 to 2.1 CeV （t range of -1.4 to -0.25 GeV2） from the g8b experimental data collected in the summer of 2005 in the Hall B of Jefferson Lab.     

Recoil polarimetry in meson photoproduction at MAMI

The nucleon excitation spectrum remains poorly known, with the masses, widths, EM couplings and even existence of many states not well established. A program of experiments using meson photoproduction off the nucleon is being carried out to improve this situation. A new large acceptance recoil polarimeter has been developed by the Edinburgh group for use in such reactions with the Crystal Ball at MAMI. This work summarizes the procedure used to measure recoil polarization with the new device and presents some preliminary results for the double polarization observable Cx in the reaction γp→pπ, compared to the current partial wave analysis.     

Recoil polarimetry in meson photoproduction at MAMI

The nucleon excitation spectrum remains poorly known, with the masses, widths, EM couplings and even existence of many states not well established. A program of experiments using meson photoproduction off the nucleon is being carried out to improve this situation. A new large acceptance recoil polarimeter has been developed by the Edinburgh group for use in such reactions with the Crystal Ball at MAMI. This work summarizes the procedure used to measure recoil polarization with the new device and presents some preliminary results for the double polarization observable C_x in the reaction γp→pπ~0, compared to the current partial wave analysis.     

Photoproduction of multi-meson final states — recent results from the Crystal-Barrel/TAPS experiment at ELSA-

Multi-meson final states such as γp →pπ0π0 and γp →pπ0η have been investigated with the Crystal-Barrel/TAPS experiment at ELSA. Baryon cascades via △π and △η and also via higher mass baryon resonances are clearly observed. Based on this data and on data from other reactions a partial wave analysis has been performed from which partial decay widths of various N＊ and △＊ states into the different pπ0π0 and pπ0η decay channels have been determined, leading partly to unexpected results. In addition, polarisation observables have been investigated. The beam asymmetry X has been determined for both reactions and double polarisation data using a longitudinally polarised target and a circularly or linearly polarised photon beam has been taken. Given the angular coverage of the Crystal-Baxrel/TAPS experiment this data covers almost the full angular range and phase space. This data will provide new and important information for the partial wave analyses and bring us one step closer towards a complete experiment.     

Experiments with compton back scattered gamma beams (on GRAAL collaboration results)

Experimental study of photonuclear reactions using Compton back scattered gamma beams at intermediate energies (from pion photoproduction threshold up to a few GeV) is reviewed. The last review of this subject was published about 10 years ago. Since then, new fundamental data on nucleon spin structure and photonuclear excitation mechanisms have appeared in the literature. Principal attention in the present review is paid to the GRAAL (Grenoble Accelerateur Anneau Laser) experiment conducted at ESRF (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility). It is shown that, in addition to the principal polarization experimental program based on high degree of gamma beam polarization, new results on different applications have been obtained. For example, total photoabsorption and partial meson photoproduction cross sections were measured with high accuracy, and a new method for studying an interaction of unstable short-lived mesons with nuclear media (tagged mesons) was proposed. New results on anisotropy of the speed of light with respect to the dipole of cosmic microwave background radiation were evaluated. It is noted that new opportunities arise due to unique conditions appearing while conducting the experiments with the Compton back scattering technique, which provides the hard photon spectrum, high degree of beam polarization, and low backgrounds.     

Precision measurements of strangeness photoproduction at threshold energies with the Crystal Ball at MAMI-C

The photoproduction of K＋ mesons from the nucleon provides important constraints on the nucleon excitation spectrum and at threshold energies challenges effective field theories based on chiral perturbation in the strange quark sector. Preliminary cross-section measurements for γ（P, K＋）A are presented at an unprecedented beam energy resolution. The data was collected at the MAMI-C facility in Mainz using the Crystal Ball Detector. A new method of K＋ detection was used in which the K＋ is tagged from its weak decay products in the detector crystals. This technique has application with other calorimeters at present and future hadron facilities.     

Precision measurements of strangeness photoproduction at threshold energies with the Crystal Ball at MAMI-C

The photoproduction of K~+ mesons from the nucleon provides important constraints on the nucleon excitation spectrum and at threshold energies challenges effective field theories based on chiral perturbation in the strange quark sector. Preliminary cross-section measurements for γ(p, K~+)A are presented at an unprece-dented beam energy resolution. The data was collected at the MAMI-C facility in Mainz using the Crystal Ball Detector. A new method of K~+ detection was used in which the K~+ is tagged from its weak decay products in the detector crystals. This technique has application with other calorimeters at present and future hadron facilities.     

标量介子f0(980)光生过程γp→pf0(980)的研究

轻标量介子性质研究是当今中高能核物理研究中的热点问题之一,特别是质量低于1 GeV的标量介子f₀（980）的内部结构一直存在争议,至今未达成共识。基于前人的研究结果,运用有效拉氏量方法,对f₀（980）粒子的光生过程γp→pf₀（980）进行了更深入的理论研究。探讨了两种传播子形式下得矢量介子ρ和ω交换的贡献,第一种是选择雷吉传播子,第二种是选择普通费曼传播子。第二种形式的微分散射截面理论结果与现有实验数据符合比第一种形式的结果好。基于此,计算了两种形式的总截面,两种形式给出的理论结果相差很大。另外,给出了γp→pf₀（980）→pπ+π-过程的π+π-不变质量分布的理论预言,发现π+π-不变质量分布对于f₀（980）于K-K的耦合常数（g_f0KK）有很强的依赖关系,不同的g_f0KK给出明显不同的π+π-不变质量分布。将来相关实验数据可以验证这些理论预言,并对矢量介子传播子形式和耦合常数g_f0KK做出限制,加深人们对f₀（980）粒子的认识。We study the scalar meson f0(980) in the γp→pf0(980) reaction within an effective Lagrangian approach. Based on previous studies, we calculate the differential cross sections of this reaction. We take two types of the propagators of vector mesons ρ and ω, one is the Regge form, the other one is the normal Feynman propagator. It is found that our theoretical results for the differential cross sections with the Feynman propagator are in agreement with the current experimental data. For the total cross sections, the results with the two types of propagator are much different. On the other hand, we predict the π+π- invariant mass distribution of the γp→pf0(980)→pπ+π- reaction. We find that the π+π- invariant mass distribution depends sensitively on the value of the coupling constant gf0KK. We hope that the future experiments can test our model calculation and give further constraints on the value of gf0KK and also the nature of f0(980).     

Photoproduction of Vector Meson Ф off Deuteron in QCD Inspired Model

Based on the quark-gluon contents of nucleon and strongly believing that the force mediators, Pomeron and its counterpart in the conventional approach of Regge theory, for high energy diffractive process would be the tensor glueball and Odderon respectively, we discuss photo-production of vector meson Ф off the deuteron at energy less than 3 GeV in the QCD inspired model in which the quark gluon degrees of freedom and glueball, Odderon exchange are taken into account. A calculation is performed for γ ＋ D →Ф ＋ D, and the theoretical predictions of the differential cross section dσ^γD/dt, are presented and compared with available experimental data. Our QCD inspired model reproduces data quite well in the whole range of the experimental measurements up to ｜t｜ ≌ 0.4 GeV. Our results can be used to extract γn → Фn data, which cannot be measured in experiment.     

Recent results from LEPS

Photoproduction of baryons with strangeness,such as the Σ(1385),Λ(1520) and possibly the Θ +,are described from measurements at the LEPS/SPring-8 facility in Japan.Linearly polarized photons in the energy range of 1.5–2.4 GeV,along with the forward-angle kinematics at LEPS,provide unique data to learn about these baryons,which are non-perturbative solutions of QCD.     

Photoproduction of Vector Meson ø off Deuteron in QCD Inspired Model

Based on the quark-gluon contents of nucleon and strongly believing that the force mediators, Pomeron and its counterpart in the conventional approach of Regge theory, for high energy diffractive process would be the tensor glueball and Odderonrespectively, we discuss photo-production of vector meson ø off the deuteron at energy less than 3 GeV in the QCD inspired model in which the quark gluon degrees of freedom and glueball, Odderon exchange are taken into account. A calculation isperformed for γ+D → ø+D, and the theoretical predictions of the differential cross section dσ ^γD/dt, are presented and compared with available experimental data. Our QCD inspired model reproduces data quite well in the whole range of the experimental measurements up to |t|≌ 0.4~GeV. Our results can be used toextract γn →øn data, which cannot be measured in experiment.     

(γ, π0γ) reaction on a nucleus in the GeV region

π⁰γ invariant mass distribution spectrum has been calculated for the (γ, π⁰γ) reaction on¹²C nucleus at 2.5 GeV beam energy. These π⁰ and γ are assumed to originate due to the decay of vector mesons produced in the photonuclear reaction. The nuclear medium effect on vector mesons and the effect of π⁰ rescattering on the π⁰γ invariant mass spectrum have been investigated     

Recent results from LEPS

Photoproduction of baryons with strangeness,such as the Σ（1385）,Λ（1520） and possibly the Θ ＋,are described from measurements at the LEPS/SPring-8 facility in Japan.Linearly polarized photons in the energy range of 1.5–2.4 GeV,along with the forward-angle kinematics at LEPS,provide unique data to learn about these baryons,which are non-perturbative solutions of QCD.     

φ-meson photoproduction off the protons by using linearly polarized photons in the mid- to higher-t regimes at threshold energies

Observables from vector meson photoproduction by linearly-polarized photons can be expressed in term of bllinear combinations of helicity amplitudes parameterized by the Spin Density Matrix Elements (SDMEs). These SDMEs give straightforward relations for understanding the nature of the parity exchange at threshold energies, as well as for extracting signatures of the Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka violation. This paper will show preliminary measurements of SDMEs for (γ)p→φp in the photon energy range of 1.7 to 1.9 GeV (momentum transfer squared t range of -1.2 to -0.25 GeV~2) and 1.9 to 2.1 GeV (t range of -1.4 to -0.25 GeV~2) from the g8b experimental data collected in the summer of 2005 in the Hall B of Jefferson Lab.     

Hadro- and photo-production of in quasi-free proton and neutron processes

The η' photoproduction process on quasi-free proton and neutron and the reaction NN→η'NN are investigated within a relativistic effective Lagrangian approach to hadronic interactions. Resonances with spins 1/2 and 3/2 are considered together with the nucleonic and t-channel meson-exchange current contributions. In photoproduction processes, the S_(11) resonance is found to be responsible for the sharp rise of the cross sections near threshold. In pp →η'pp, it is found that the S_(11) resonance dominates the total cross section over the entire energy region considered. The spin observables, in particular the beam and target asymmetries, are shown to be very sensitive to the reaction mechanism and will help impose more stringent constraints on the model parameters.     

HERA硬光生过程中的光子产生

在领头级近似下计算了HERA硬光生过程中直接光子和分解光子与质子作用的单、双光子产生截面.结果表明:当x_T≤0.15时,对单光子产生的主要贡献来自于分解光子过程;当x_T≥0.15时,主要贡献来自于直接光子过程.双光子的主要产生源则是分解光子的两个子过程:qq→γγ和gg→γγ,且双光子的产生截面与同等条件下,h₁h₂→γγX的截面在同一量级.研究双光子产生有助于探明分解光子的结构.