gamma* N -> Delta transition form factors: a new analysis of the JLab data on p(e,e'p)pi0 at Q^2=2.8 and 4.0 (GeV/c)^2

Abstract

Recent JLab data of the differential cross section for the reaction p(e,e'p)pi0 in the invariant mass region of 1.1 < W < 1.4 GeV at four-momentum transfer squared Q^2= 2.8 and 4.0 (GeV/c)$^2$ are analyzed with two models, both of which give an excellent description of most of the existing pion electroproduction data below W < 1.5 GeV. We find that at up to Q^2 = 4.0(GeV/c)^2, the extracted helicity amplitudes A_{3/2} and A_{/2} remain comparable with each other, implying that hadronic helicity is not conserved at this range of Q^2. The ratios E_{1+}/M_{1+} obtained show, starting from a small and negative value at the real photon point, a clear tendency to cross zero, and to become positive with increasing Q^2. This is a possible indication of a very slow approach toward the pQCD region.Furthermore, we find that the helicity amplitude A_{1/2} and S_{1/2}, but not A_{3/2}, starts exhibiting the scaling behavior at about Q^2 \ge 2.5(GeV/c)^2.