Model-independent aspects of the reaction $\bar{K} + N \to K + \Xi$

Abstract

Various model-independent aspects of the $\bar{K} N \to K \Xi$ reaction are investigated, starting from the determination of the most general structure of the reaction amplitude for $\Xi$ baryons with $J^P=\frac12^\pm$ and $\frac32^\pm$ and the observables that allow a complete determination of these amplitudes. Polarization observables are constructed in terms of spin-density matrix elements. Reflection symmetry about the reaction plane is exploited, in particular, to determine the parity of the produced $\Xi$ in a model-independent way. In addition, extending the work of Biagi $\mathrm{\textit{et al. } [Z. Phys.\ C \textbf{34}, 175 (1987)]}$, a way is presented of determining simultaneously the spin and parity of the ground state of $\Xi$ baryon as well as those of the excited $\Xi$ states.