Cross Sections for the $γp \to K^{*0}Σ^+$ Reaction at $E_γ= 1.7 - 3.0$ GeV

Abstract

Differential cross sections for the reaction $γp \to K^{*0} Σ^+$ are presented at nine bins in photon energy in the range from 1.7 to 3.0 GeV. The \kstar was detected by its decay products, $K^+π^-$, in the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. These data are the first \kstar photoproduction cross sections ever published over a broad range of angles. Comparison with a theoretical model based on the vector and tensor $K^*$-quark couplings shows good agreement with the data in general, after adjusting the model's two parameters in a fit to our data. Disagreement between the data at forward angles and the global angle-energy fit to the model suggests that the role of scalar $κ$ meson exchange in $t$-channel diagrams should be investigated.

7 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev. C (Rapid Commun.)