$K^+\Lambda$ photoproduction at forward angles and low momentum transfer

TL;DR

This paper presents precise measurements of $K^+\Lambda$ photoproduction at forward angles, providing data that clarifies previous discrepancies and enhances understanding of hyperon production near threshold.

Contribution

It offers new high-resolution differential cross sections and recoil polarisation data at forward angles, resolving conflicts in existing data and enabling detailed analysis near the minimum momentum transfer.

Findings

Discriminates between conflicting world data sets.

Provides detailed cross sections at forward angles.

Enables extraction of cross sections near minimum momentum transfer.

Abstract

$\gamma p \rightarrow K^+ \Lambda$ differential cross sections and recoil polarisation data from threshold for extremely forward angles are presented. The measurements were performed at the BGOOD experiment at ELSA, utilising the high angular and momentum resolution forward spectrometer for charged particle identification. The data discriminates between conflicting results in the world data set and enable extraction of the cross section as the minimum momentum transfer to the recoiling hyperon is approached.