The reaction NN \to NN \phi near threshold

TL;DR

This paper investigates polarization observables in near-threshold NN to NN phi reactions, highlighting how measurements can reveal underlying reaction mechanisms and potential hidden strangeness in nucleons.

Contribution

It analyzes how polarization observables vary near threshold and proposes measurements to distinguish different reaction mechanisms and hidden strangeness effects.

Findings

Finite-energy predictions differ from threshold predictions.

Beam-target asymmetry and decay anisotropy are key to understanding mechanisms.

Measurements can reveal hidden strangeness in nucleons.

Abstract

The sensitivity of polarization observables in the reaction $NN \to NN \phi$ slightly above the threshold is studied with respect to the details of the one-boson exchange model and a possible admixture of hidden strangeness in the nucleon. It is shown that the finite-energy predictions differ strongly from the threshold predictions. A measurement of the beam - target asymmetry and the $\phi$ decay anisotropy can help to disentangle the role of various reaction mechanisms.