Cross Sections for the $\gamma p \to K^{*0}\Sigma^+$ Reaction at $E_\gamma = 1.7 - 3.0$ GeV

Abstract

Differential cross sections for the reaction $\gamma p \to K^{*0} \Sigma^+$ are presented at nine bins in photon energy in the range from 1.7 to 3.0 GeV. The \kstar was detected by its decay products, $K^+\pi^-$, in the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. These data are the first \kstar photoproduction cross sections ever published over a broad range of angles. Comparison with a theoretical model based on the vector and tensor $K^*$-quark couplings shows good agreement with the data in general, after adjusting the model's two parameters in a fit to our data. Disagreement between the data at forward angles and the global angle-energy fit to the model suggests that the role of scalar $\kappa$ meson exchange in $t$-channel diagrams should be investigated.