CLAS Detector Research Articles

Evaluation of fully integrated γ v p → π+π− p cross sections in the resonance region at photon virtualities 5 < Q 2 < 12 GeV2

Evaluation of fully integrated double pion electroproduction cross sections of protons was carried out at 1.4 < W < 2.0 GeV, 5 < Q 2 < 12 GeV2. The cross-section evaluation was obtained from an approach based on extrapolation of the double pion component of inclusive structure functions F 1 and F 2 from photon virtualities Q 2 < 5 GeV2 towards 5 < Q 2 < 12 GeV2. Q 2-parameterization compatible with restrictions from the Operator Product Expansion was used to conduct the extrapolation. The results will be used to extract double pion electroproduction cross sections of protons in future experiments with the new CLAS12 detector.

Spin and parity measurement of theΛ(1405)baryon

A determination of the spin and parity of the $\Lambda(1405)$ is presented using photoproduction data from the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab. The reaction $\gamma + p \to K^+ + \Lambda(1405)$ is analyzed in the decay channel $\Lambda(1405) \to \Sigma^+ + \pi^-$, where the decay distribution to $\Sigma^+ \pi^-$ and the variation of the $\Sigma^+$ polarization with respect to the $\Lambda(1405)$ polarization direction determines the parity. The $\Lambda(1405)$ is produced, in the energy range $2.55 < W < 2.85$ GeV and for $0.6 < \cos \theta_{K^+} < 0.9$, with polarization $P = 0.45 \pm 0.02 (\text{stat}) \pm 0.07 (\text{syst})$. The analysis shows that the decays are in $S$ wave, with the $\Sigma^+$ polarized such that the $\Lambda(1405)$ has spin-parity $J^P = 1/2^-$, as expected by most theories.

MEASUREMENT OF EXCITED HYPERONS IN PHOTOPRODUCTION AT CLAS

Measurement results of photoproduced excited hyperon states using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab are shown. The invariant mass distribution of the Λ(1405) has recently been shown to be different for each of the three Σπ channels that it decays to, showing that there is prominent interference between the isospin I = 0 and I = 1 isospin amplitudes. Measurements of the differential and total cross sections of the three hyperons Λ(1405), Σ0(1385), and Λ(1520) are presented and compared. Prospects of future studies using a 12 GeV beam with the GlueX detector are briefly given.

EXCLUSIVE MEASUREMENTS OF OMEGA ELECTROPRODUCTION OFF THE PROTON IN THE RESONANCE REGION

A complete theory of strong interactions must describe the excited baryon spectrum as well as the structure of prominent states, which reflects the dynamics of nonperturbative QCD. Beyond the discriminating power of exclusive single- and double-pion electroproduction, the ω channel provides an additional probe of high-mass excited states. The current analysis provides preliminary differential and integrated cross sections of ω electroproduction off the proton from W = 1.7 to 3.2 GeV and Q2 = 1.5 to 5.5 GeV2. The data was collected by JLab's CLAS detector during two run periods and comprises the largest sample of exclusive resonance-region ω electroproduction ever analyzed. Preliminary Legendre decomposition of the cross sections supports previous indications of s-channel contributions to cross sections in the resonance region.

Timelike Compton Scattering at JLab

It is demonstrated, that with exclusive final state, data from electron scattering experiments that are recorded with loose trigger requirements can be used to analyze photoproduction reactions. A preliminary results on Timelike Compton Scattering using the electroproduction data from the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab are presented. In particular, using final state (pe-e+) photoproduction of vector mesons and timelike photon is studied. Angular asymmetries in Timelike Compton Scattering region is compared with model predictions in the framework of Generalized Parton Distribution.

Deeply virtual compton scattering from the neutron with CLAS and CLAS12

Generalised Parton Distributions (GPDs) offer an insight into the three-dimensional structure of the nucleon and its internal dynamics, relating the longitudinal momentum of quarks to their transverse position. A very effective means of accessing GPDs is via measurements of cross-sections and polarisation-asymmetries in Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS). In particular, the beam-spin asymmetry (BSA) in DVCS from the neutron is especially sensitive to angular momentum of the up- and down-quarks, and its measurement therefore has potential to shed important light on the puzzle of nucleon spin. We present a preliminary extraction of BSA from a recent experiment using a 6 GeV electron beam and the CLAS detector at Jefferson Laboratory and introduce the Central Neutron Detector to be integrated with CLAS12 for the exclusive measurement of neutron DVCS at 11 GeV, made possible by the Jefferson Lab upgrade.

Di-hadron SIDIS measurements at CLAS

Semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering (SIDIS) is an essential tool to probe nucleon internal structure. Through single hadron SIDIS processes, indeed, it is possible to access the TMDs, containing information on both the longitudinal and transverse motion of the partons. In recent years, moreover, an increasing attention has been devoted to dihadron SIDIS. It constitutes the golden channel to access the higher-twist collinear Parton Distribution Functions e(x )a ndhL(x), so far only marginally known, whose extraction will complete the collinear description of the nucleon at the twist-3 level. The CLAS detector in the Hall-B at JLab, thanks to its large acceptance, is particularly suited for such measurements. Analyses aiming at the extraction of dihadron SIDIS Beam and Target- Spin Asymmetries are presently in progress. In these proceedings, preliminary results for the Beam-Spin Asymmetry are reported, together with a summary of the dihadron SIDIS experimental program at JLab.

STUDIES OF N* STRUCTURE FROM THE CLAS MESON ELECTROPRODUCTION DATA

The transition γvpN* amplitudes (electrocouplings) for prominent excited nucleon states obtained in a wide area of photon virtualities offer valuable information for the exploration of the N* structure at different distances and allow us to access the complex dynamics of non-perturbative strong interaction. The current status in the studies of γvpN* electrocouplings from the data on exclusive meson electroproduction off protons measured with the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab is presented. The impact of these results on exploration of the N* structure is discussed.

POLARIZATION OBSERVABLES FROM THE PHOTOPRODUCTION OF ω-MESONS USING LINEARLY POLARIZED PHOTONS

We report on the extraction of Polarization Observables Spin Density Matrix Elements (SDMEs), and Beam Asymmetry Σ for ω meson photoproduction using a beam of linearly polarized photons in the photon energy region of Eγ = 1.3 to 1.7 GeV, by means of the angular distributions of the daughter pions from ω decay. These preliminary results are from the g8b dataset, which were collected with the CLAS detector in Hall B of Jefferson Lab.

POLARIZATION OBSERVABLES FOR K+Λ AND K+Σ0 PHOTOPRODUCTION FROM POLARIZED PROTONS

The search for undiscovered excited states of the nucleon continues to be a focus of experiments at Jefferson Lab. Recent LQCD calculations have confirmed long-standing quark-model predictions of many more states than have so far been identified.1 A large effort for the N* program has been launched using the CLAS detector to provide the database that will allow nearly model-independent partial wave analyses to be carried out in the search for such states. Polarization observables play a crucial role in this effort, as they are essential in disentangling overlapping resonant and non-resonant amplitudes. In 2010, double-polarization data were taken at JLab using circularly polarized photons incident on a transversely polarized frozen-spin butanol target.2 Our current analysis yields preliminary data of the T and F asymmetries of the K+Λ and K+Σ0 final states, which are compared to predictions of recent multipole analyses. This work is the first of its kind and will significantly broaden the world database for these reactions.

Differential photoproduction cross sections of theΣ0(1385),Λ(1405), andΛ(1520)

We report the exclusive photoproduction cross sections for the Sigma(1385), Lambda(1405), and Lambda(1520) in the reactions gamma + p -> K+ + Y* using the CLAS detector for energies from near the respective production thresholds up to a center-of-mass energy W of 2.85 GeV. The differential cross sections are integrated to give the total exclusive cross sections for each hyperon. Comparisons are made to current theoretical models based on the effective Lagrangian approach and fitted to previous data. The accuracy of these models is seen to vary widely. The cross sections for the Lambda(1405) region are strikingly different for the Sigma+pi-, Sigma0 pi0, and Sigma- pi+ decay channels, indicating the effect of isospin interference, especially at W values close to the threshold.

Demonstration of a novel technique to measure two-photon exchange effects in elastice±pscattering

The discrepancy between proton electromagnetic form factors extracted using unpolarized and polarized scattering data is believed to be a consequence of two-photon exchange (TPE) effects. However, the calculations of TPE corrections have significant model dependence, and there is limited direct experimental evidence for such corrections. We present the results of a new experimental technique for making direct $e^\pm p$ comparisons, which has the potential to make precise measurements over a broad range in $Q^2$ and scattering angles. We use the Jefferson Lab electron beam and the Hall B photon tagger to generate a clean but untagged photon beam. The photon beam impinges on a converter foil to generate a mixed beam of electrons, positrons, and photons. A chicane is used to separate and recombine the electron and positron beams while the photon beam is stopped by a photon blocker. This provides a combined electron and positron beam, with energies from 0.5 to 3.2 GeV, which impinges on a liquid hydrogen target. The large acceptance CLAS detector is used to identify and reconstruct elastic scattering events, determining both the initial lepton energy and the sign of the scattered lepton. The data were collected in two days with a primary electron beam energy of only 3.3 GeV, limiting the data from this run to smaller values of $Q^2$ and scattering angle. Nonetheless, this measurement yields a data sample for $e^\pm p$ with statistics comparable to those of the best previous measurements. We have shown that we can cleanly identify elastic scattering events and correct for the difference in acceptance for electron and positron scattering. The final ratio of positron to electron scattering: $R=1.027\pm0.005\pm0.05$ for $<Q^2>=0.206$ GeV$^2$ and $0.830\leq \epsilon\leq 0.943$.

Cross sections for theγp→K*+Λandγp→K*+Σ0reactions measured at CLAS

The first high-statistics cross sections for the reactions $\gamma p \to K^{*+} \Lambda$ and $\gamma p \to K^{*+} \Sigma^0$ were measured using the CLAS detector at photon energies between threshold and 3.9 GeV at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Differential cross sections are presented over the full range of the center-of-mass angles, $\theta^{CM}_{K^{*+}}$, and then fitted to Legendre polynomials to extract the total cross section. Results for the $K^{*+}\Lambda$ final state are compared with two different calculations in an isobar and a Regge model, respectively. Theoretical calculations significantly underestimate the $K^{*+} \Lambda$ total cross sections between 2.1 and 2.6 GeV, but are in better agreement with present data at higher photon energies.

Magnetic System for the CLAS12 Proposal

The conceptual design of a magnetic system for an experiment to measure the transverse spin effects in semi-inclusive Deep Inelastic Scattering (SIDIS) at 11 GeV with a transversely polarized target using the CLAS12 detector at Jefferson Lab is presented. A proposal has been submitted to study spin azimuthal asymmetries in SIDIS using an 11-GeV polarized electron beam from the upgraded CEBAF facility and the CLAS12 detector equipped with a transversely polarized target. The main focus of the experiment will be the measurement of transverse target single and double spin asymmetries in the reaction ep↑ → ehX, where e is an electron, p↑ is transversely polarized proton, h is a meson (e.g., a pion or a kaon) and X is the undetected final state. The details of the conceptual design of the shielding magnetic system and transverse dipole are reported.

STUDIES OF NUCLEON RESONANCE STRUCTURE IN EXCLUSIVE MESON ELECTROPRODUCTION

Studies of the structure of excited baryons are key factors to the N* program at Jefferson Lab (JLab). Within the first year of data taking with the Hall B CLAS12 detector following the 12 GeV upgrade, a dedicated experiment will aim to extract the N* electrocouplings at high photon virtualities Q2. This experiment will allow exploration of the structure of N* resonances at the highest photon virtualities ever achieved, with a kinematic reach up to Q2 = 12 GeV 2. This high-Q2 reach will make it possible to probe the excited nucleon structures at distance scales ranging from where effective degrees of freedom, such as constituent quarks, are dominant through the transition to where nearly massless bare-quark degrees of freedom are relevant. In this document, we present a detailed description of the physics that can be addressed through N* structure studies in exclusive meson electroproduction. The discussion includes recent advances in reaction theory for extracting N* electrocouplings from meson electroproduction off protons, along with Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD)-based approaches to the theoretical interpretation of these fundamental quantities. This program will afford access to the dynamics of the nonperturbative strong interaction responsible for resonance formation, and will be crucial in understanding the nature of confinement and dynamical chiral symmetry breaking in baryons, and how excited nucleons emerge from QCD.

Transverse polarization ofΣ+(1189)in photoproduction on a hydrogen target in CLAS

Experimental results on the $\Sigma^+(1189)$ hyperon transverse polarization in photoproduction on a hydrogen target using the CLAS detector at Jefferson laboratory are presented. The $\Sigma^+(1189)$ was reconstructed in the exclusive reaction $\gamma+p\rightarrow K^{0}_{S} + \Sigma^+(1189)$ via the $\Sigma^{+} \to p \pi^{0}$ decay mode. The $K^{0}_S$ was reconstructed in the invariant mass of two oppositely charged pions with the $\pi^0$ identified in the missing mass of the detected $p\pi^+\pi^-$ final state. Experimental data were collected in the photon energy range $E_{\gamma}$ = 1.0-3.5 GeV ($\sqrt{s}$ range 1.66-2.73 GeV). We observe a large negative polarization of up to 95%. As the mechanism of transverse polarization of hyperons produced in unpolarized photoproduction experiments is still not well understood, these results will help to distinguish between different theoretical models on hyperon production and provide valuable information for the searches of missing baryon resonances.

Separated structure functions for exclusiveK+ΛandK+Σ0electroproduction at 5.5 GeV measured with CLAS

We report measurements of the exclusive electroproduction of $K^+\Lambda$ and $K^+\Sigma^0$ final states from an unpolarized proton target using the CLAS detector at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The separated structure functions $\sigma_U$, $\sigma_{LT}$, $\sigma_{TT}$, and $\sigma_{LT'}$ were extracted from the $\Phi$-dependent differential cross sections acquired with a longitudinally polarized 5.499 GeV electron beam. The data span a broad range of momentum transfers $Q^2$ from 1.4 to 3.9 GeV$^2$, invariant energy $W$ from threshold to 2.6 GeV, and nearly the full center-of-mass angular range of the kaon. The separated structure functions provide an unprecedented data sample, which in conjunction with other meson photo- and electroproduction data, will help to constrain the higher-level analyses being performed to search for missing baryon resonances.

Comment on “Observation of a narrow structure in1H(γ,KS0)Xvia interference withϕ-meson production”

In Ref. [1], the authors claim to observe a narrow structure in the mass spectrum constructed from the (pK_L) system using data from the CLAS detector. The interpretation of this narrow structure given in Ref. [1] is as follows: “It may be due to the photoproduction of the Theta+ pentaquark or some unknown Sigma∗ resonance.” The authors go on to say that “it is unlikely for the observed structure to be due to a Sigma∗ resonance.” This analysis was reviewed by the CLAS Collaboration, following the established procedures for all CLAS papers, and did not receive approval. The purpose of this Comment is to explain the reasons why that analysis was not approved for publication.

Nucleon Resonance Structure from Exclusive Meson Electroproduction with CLAS and CLAS12

The CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab is a unique instrument, which has provided the lionʼs share of the worldʼs data on meson photo- and electroproduction in the resonance excitation region. The electroexcitation amplitudes for the low-lying resonances P33(1232), P11(1440), D13(1520), and S11(1535) were determined over a wide range of Q2<5.0GeV2 in a comprehensive analysis of exclusive single-meson (π+n,π0p) reactions in the electroproduction off protons. Further, CLAS was able to precisely measure π+π−p electroproduction differential cross sections provided by the nearly full kinematic coverage of the detector. The electrocouplings of the P11(1440) and D13(1520) excited states are determined from the exclusive-π+π−p reaction. Consistent results on the electrocouplings from two-independent analyses (single- and double-pion electroproduction) have provided compelling evidence for the reliable extraction of the N⁎ electrocouplings. Preliminary results on the electrocouplings of the S31(1620), S11(1650), D33(1700), and P13(1720) states have recently become available. Theoretical analyses of these results have revealed that there are two major contributions to the resonance structure: a) an internal quark core and b) an external meson-baryon cloud. These CLAS results have had considerable impact on QCD-based studies on N⁎ structure and in the search for manifestations of the dynamical masses of the dressed quarks. Future CLAS12 N⁎ structure studies at high photon virtualities will considerably extend our capabilities in exploring the nature of confinement in baryons.

Status of Hall B Superconducting Magnets for the CLAS12 Detector at JLAB

Hadron physics has been an essential part of the physics program with the CLAS detector in experimental hall B at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). With the 12 GeV upgrade of the CEBAF machine, hadron physics in Hall B will be extended to a new domain of higher mass resonances and the range of higher transferred momentum using up to 11 GeV electron beams and the upgraded CLAS12 detector. In this paper, status of the hall B superconducting magnets for the CLAS12 detector is presented.