Charged current weak electroproduction of Delta resonance

Abstract

We study the weak production of $\Delta$ (i.e. $e^{-} + p \to \Delta^{0}+ \nu_{e}$ and $e^{+} + p \to \Delta^{++} + \bar{\nu}_{e}$) in the intermediate energy range corresponding to the Mainz and TJNAF electron accelerators. The differential cross sections $\sigma(\theta)$ are found to be of the order of $ 10^{-39}$ cm$^2$/sr, over a range of angles which increases with energy. The possibility of observing these reactions with the high luminosities available at these accelerators, and studying the weak N-$\Delta$ transition form factors through these reactions is discussed. The production cross section of N$^*(1440)$ in the kinematic region of $\Delta$ production is also estimated and found to be small.