Model Independent Considerations on Two-Photon Exchange in Electron Proton Scattering and in the Crossed Processes

Abstract

The presence of two photon exchange in $ep$ elastic scattering and in the crossed processes ($\bar p +p\leftrightarrow \ell^+ +\ell^-$, $\ell=e$ or $\mu$) is discussed in terms of three complex amplitudes which are functions of two kinematical variables, the momentum transfer squared $q^2$ and the polarization of the virtual photon, $\epsilon$. Model independent expressions of the differential cross section and of polarization observables are derived. Particular attention is devoted to the extraction of hadron electromagnetic form factors which becomes much more difficult in presence of two photon exchange, and to the relevant experimental observables which could give evidence for such mechanism.