Measurement of γp→K + Λ and γp→K + Σ 0 at photon energies up to 1.47 GeV

The reactions pK ⁺ and pK ^{+ 0} have been measured with the multiparticle detector system SAPHIR at ELSA in Bonn. Besides the differential cross sections the polarization and, for the first time, the ⁰ polarization have been determined in a photon induced reaction. All data are presented as functions of the photon energy (from threshold up to 1.47 GeV) and of the kaon production angle (0°–180°). The polarization of both and ⁰ is substantial at all energies and varies strongly with the production angle.This work is supported by the Bundesminister für Forschung und Technologie (BMFT), FK 06 BN 621 I     

Cross sections and asymmetries for the reaction from threshold to 1 GeV

Total cross sections, differential cross sections and asymmetries for the reaction from threshold to 1 GeV have been measured. The outgoing π⁰ was detected by a 4π neutral meson spectrometer. Our data are compared with the corresponding np→NNπ^± reactions. The isoscalar partial cross sections are extracted from the relevant total cross sections. They are significant throughout the whole energy range. Below the Δ-region, energy-integrated differential cross sections show a large anisotropy difference between the neutral and charged pion channels, respectively. A partial-wave fit shows that the initial T = 0 state is dominated by the ³D₁ wave in this energy region. Finally, predictions of phenomenological models give reasonable good account of the measured observables but cannot reproduce the sign of the asymmetries.