Vector Meson Couplings to Nucleons and Backward ρ and ω Production**The project supported in part by the Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences under Grant No. KJCX2-SWN02.

Abstract

Data on the production of vector mesons ρ and ω in the backward direction via nucleon exchange are investigated. A better understanding of these data is achieved than hitherto, albeit at a semi-quantitative level. This is achieved partly by using more up-to-date values for the vector couplings and partly by using more precise theoretical formalism. In view of this we conclude that the data do provide a useful constraint on the couplings.