New combined analysis of elastic and charge exchange KN(K¯N) scattering in the Regge realm

Abstract

The Regge features of elastic $K^\pm N\to K^\pm N$, and charge exchange $K^-p\to\bar{K}^0n$ and $K^+n\to K^0p$ reactions are described by using a combined analysis of all these channels at high momenta. Based on the meson exchanges in the $t$-channel with their decays to $K\bar{K}$ pair allowed, the exchanges of $\rho(775)+\omega(782)$ are excluded in contrast to existing model calculations and the present work follows a new scheme for the meson exchanges $a_0(980)+\phi(1020)+f_2(1275)+a_2(1320)$ reggeized for the forward elastic scattering amplitude together with Pomeron. The charge exchange reactions are described by $a_0(980)+a_2(1320)$ exchanges in the $t$-channel. Dominance of the isoscalar $f_2$ and Pomeron exchanges beyond $P_{\rm Lab}\approx3$ GeV/$c$ is shown in the elastic process. Both the isovector $a_0$ and $a_2$ exchanges in charge exchange reactions play the respective roles in the low and high momentum region. Differential and total cross sections are presented to compare with existing data. Discussion is given to the polarization of $K^-p\to K^-p$ at $P_{Lab}=10$ GeV/$c$ and $K^-p\to \bar{K}^0n$ at $P_{Lab}=$ 8 GeV/$c$.