Determination of the $\Theta^+$ parity from $\gamma n \to K^- K^+ n$

Abstract

It is demonstrated that measurements of photon asymmetry in the $\gamma n \to K^- K^+ n$ reaction, can most likely determine the parity of the newly discovered $\Theta^+$ pentaquark. We predict that if the parity of $\Theta^+$ is positive, the photon asymmetry is significantly positive; if the parity is negative, the photon asymmetry is significantly negative. If the background contribution is large, the photon asymmetry may become very small in magnitude, thereby making it difficult to distinguish between the positive and negative parity results. However, even in this case, a combined analysis of the $(K^+ n)$ invariant mass distribution and photon asymmetry should allow a determination of the parity of $\Theta^+$.