Spin-32Polarization Density Matrix in the Electroproduction ofΔ(1236)

Abstract

The production process $ep\ensuremath{-}e\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is considered assuming one-photon exchange. Our way of parametrizing the spin-$\frac{3}{2}$ density matrix is compared with the formalism of Doncel, Michel, and Minnaert. From the explicit expression for the process in terms of three form factors, we obtain the hadronic current tensor when $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is polarized and the density-matrix elements of $\ensuremath{\Delta}$. It is shown that separate values of three form factors can be obtained explicitly from the differential cross section and density matrix. Further applications of this approach are suggested.