Polarization degrees of freedom in near-threshold photoproduction of omega mesons in the pi^0 gamma decay channel

Abstract

We study polarization variables in the photoproduction of omega-mesons with subsequent omega to gamma pi^0 decay. Single and double polarization observables are calculated as a function of different final-state angles. Reaction models include pomeron (natural parity) and pi^0 (unnatural parity) exchange in the t-channel. In addition, the contribution of s-channel resonances is considered. The sensitivity of the polarization observables to the reaction dynamics is discussed.

10 pages, 10 figures, explicit reference to sign of decay asymmetry added