Cross sections for the $\gamma p \to K^+ \Lambda$ have been measured at backward angles using linearly polarized photons in the range 1.50 to 2.37 GeV. In addition, the beam asymmetry for this reaction has been measured for the first time at backward angles. The $\Lambda$ was detected at forward angles in the LEPS spectrometer via its decay to $p\pi^-$ and the K^+ was inferred using the technique of missing mass. These measurements, corresponding to kaons at far backward angles in the center-of-mass frame, complement similar CLAS data at other angles. Comparison with theoretical models shows that the reactions in these kinematics provide further opportunities to investigate the reaction mechanisms of hadron dynamics.
Differential cross sections as a function of the Mandelstam variable U for photon beam energy 1.5 to 1.8 GeV.
Differential cross sections as a function of the Mandelstam variable U for photon beam energy 1.8 to 2.1 GeV.
Differential cross sections as a function of the Mandelstam variable U for photon beam energy 2.1 to 2.4 GeV.
Differential cross sections and photon beam asymmetries for the gamma p rightarrow K+ Lambda and gamma p rightarrow K+ Sigma0 reactions have been measured in the photon energy range from 1.5 GeV to 2.4 GeV and in the angular range from Theta_{cm} = 0 to 60 of the K+ scattering angle in the center of mass system at the SPring-8/LEPS facility. The photon beam asymmetries for both the reactions have been found to be positive and to increase with the photon energy. The measured differential cross sections agree with the data measured by the CLAS collaboration at cosTheta_{cm}<0.9 within the experimental uncertainties, but the discrepancy with the SAPHIR data for the K+Lambda reaction is large at cosTheta_{cm}>0.9. In the K+Lambda reaction, the resonance-like structure found in the CLAS and SAPHIR data at W=1.96 GeV is confirmed. The differential cross sections at forward angles suggest a strong K-exchange contribution in the t-channel for the K+Lambda reaction, but not for the K+Sigma0 reaction.
Photon beam asymmetries for the two reactions as a function of CM angle for photon beam energy 1.55 GeV (W=1.947 GeV).
Photon beam asymmetries for the two reactions as a function of CM angle for photon beam energy 1.65 GeV (W=1.994 GeV).
Photon beam asymmetries for the two reactions as a function of CM angle for photon beam energy 1.75 GeV (W=2.041 GeV).