Polarization in Hyperon Photo- and Electro- Production

Abstract

Multiple polarization observables must be measured to access the amplitude structure of pseudoscalar meson photoproduction off the proton. The hyperon-producing reactions are especially attractive to study, since the weak decays allow straightforward measurement of the induced and recoil polarization observables. In this paper we emphasize $\gamma + p \to K^+ + \Lambda$, discussing recent measurements of $C_x$, $C_z$, and $P$ for this reaction. An empirical constraint on the helicity amplitudes is obtained. A simplified model involving spin-flip and spin non-flip amplitudes is presented. Finally, a semi-classical model of how the polarization may arise is presented.