A Spectator-Quark-Model for the Photoproduction of Kaons

Abstract

A simple model for the photoproduction of kaons off protons with a lambda hyperon in the final state is presented. In a quark model, the interaction is modelled by the pair-creation of the (anti-) strange quarks in the final state which recombine with the three quarks of the proton to form the lambda and kaon. The calculated scattering cross sections for photon energies up to $E_{\gamma }=1.9\text{mbox}GeV$ are compared to experiment. The pair-creation process is found to have a significant contribution to the total cross section.

Comments: 16 pages, LaTex, 10 figures included; packed with 'uufiles' utility