Model-independent analysis of density-matrix element measurements in multiparticle reactions

We present a general study of polarization measurement in multiparticle production processes, including a definition of experimentally observable quantities, the splitting into natural- and unnatural parity exchanges and a study of their relative phase, and information concerning the quantum numbers of a packet of particles. When only one single particle is detected in the final state (inclusive reactions for instance) we prove that the usual formalism for two-body reactions is applicable. Very interesting new information on multi-particle production can be reached when it can be asserted that another particle has been emitted above or below a given plane, parallel or perpendicular to the scattering plane.