The Reaction μ− + p → Λ + vμ and the Contributions of the Pseudoscalar Form Factor

Abstract

We calculate the differential cross section for the weak, strangeness changing, muon scattering process, μ− + p → vμ + Λ, for incoming muon energies of 2.0,0.275 and 0.265 GeV. We obtain as well contributions of the individual form factors to the differential cross sections but focus on the pseudocalar form factor which has not been well studied in strangeness changing processes. In particular we assess the possibility of observing pseudoscalar form factor contributions at low q2 where the mass of the muon may accentuate these contributions. We find that the differential cross sections peak as the maximal scattering angle for the Λ is approached and that the peak height increases as the muon energy is increased. The behavior of the differential cross section near the maximal angle is discussed as is the possibility of observing second class current form factors.