K* photoproduction off the nucleon: gamma N --> K* Lambda

Abstract

We study the photoproduction of $K^*(892)$ vector meson from both the charged and neutral reactions, $\gamma p \to K^{*+} \Lambda$ and $\gamma n \to K^{*0} \Lambda$. The production mechanisms that we consider include $t$-channel $K^*$, $K$, $\kappa$ exchanges, s-channel nucleon diagram, and $u$-channel $\Lambda$, $\Sigma$, $\Sigma^*$ diagrams. These could constitute important backgrounds for future investigation of ``missing'' resonances that can be searched for especially in these reactions. The $t$-channel $K$ meson exchange is found to dominate both reactions. The total and differential cross sections are presented together with some spin asymmetries.