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This white paper summarizes the Workshop on Polarized Target Studies with Real Photons in Hall D at Jefferson Lab, that took place on 21 February 2024. The Workshop included about 45 participants both online and in person at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Contributions describe the experimental infrastructure available in Hall D and potential physics applications. The rate and detection capabilities of Hall D are outlined, as well as the properties of a circularly polarized photon beam and a polarized target. Possible physics measurements include light and strange quark baryon spectroscopy, the GDH sum rule, proton structure accessed through measurement of Generalized Parton Distributions and modification of nucleon structure within the nuclear medium., Comment: 25 pages, 8 figures

The structure of hadronic form factors at high energies and their deviations from perturbative quantum chromodynamics provide insight on nonperturbative dynamics. Using an approach that is consistent with dispersion relations, we construct a model that simultaneously accounts for the pion wave function, gluonic exchanges, and quark Reggeization. In particular, we find that quark Reggeization can be investigated at high energies by studying scaling violation of the form factor.

Inclusive production processes will be important for the first observations of $XYZ$ states at new generation electron-hadron colliders, as they generally benefit from larger cross sections than their exclusive counterparts. We make predictions of semi-inclusive photoproduction of the $\chi_{c1}(1P)$ and $X(3872)$, whose peripheral production is assumed to be dominated by vector exchanges. We validate the applicability of Vector Meson Dominance in the axial-vector charmonium sector and calculate production rates at center-of-mass energies relevant for future experimental facilities. We find the semi-inclusive cross sections near threshold to be enhanced by a factor of $\sim 2-3$ compared to the exclusive reaction and well suited for a first observation in photoproduction., Comment: 16 pages, 9 figures. Typos fixed and references updated. Link to code provided. Version appearing in PRD

We describe the formalism to analyze the mathematical ambiguities arising in partial-wave analysis of two spinless mesons produced with a linearly polarized photon beam. We show that partial waves are uniquely defined when all accessible observables are considered, for a wave set which includes $S$ and $D$ waves. The inclusion of higher partial waves does not affect our results, and we conclude that there are no mathematical ambiguities in partial-wave analysis of two mesons produced with a linearly polarized photon beam. We present Monte Carlo simulations to illustrate our results., Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures

This document presents the initial scientific case for upgrading the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab (JLab) to 22 GeV. It is the result of a community effort, incorporating insights from a series of workshops conducted between March 2022 and April 2023. With a track record of over 25 years in delivering the world's most intense and precise multi-GeV electron beams, CEBAF's potential for a higher energy upgrade presents a unique opportunity for an innovative nuclear physics program, which seamlessly integrates a rich historical background with a promising future. The proposed physics program encompass a diverse range of investigations centered around the nonperturbative dynamics inherent in hadron structure and the exploration of strongly interacting systems. It builds upon the exceptional capabilities of CEBAF in high-luminosity operations, the availability of existing or planned Hall equipment, and recent advancements in accelerator technology. The proposed program cover various scientific topics, including Hadron Spectroscopy, Partonic Structure and Spin, Hadronization and Transverse Momentum, Spatial Structure, Mechanical Properties, Form Factors and Emergent Hadron Mass, Hadron-Quark Transition, and Nuclear Dynamics at Extreme Conditions, as well as QCD Confinement and Fundamental Symmetries. Each topic highlights the key measurements achievable at a 22 GeV CEBAF accelerator. Furthermore, this document outlines the significant physics outcomes and unique aspects of these programs that distinguish them from other existing or planned facilities. In summary, this document provides an exciting rationale for the energy upgrade of CEBAF to 22 GeV, outlining the transformative scientific potential that lies within reach, and the remarkable opportunities it offers for advancing our understanding of hadron physics and related fundamental phenomena., Comment: Updates to the list of authors; Preprint number changed from theory to experiment; Updates to sections 4 and 6, including additional figures

The study of $J/\psi$ photoproduction at low energies has consequences for the understanding of multiple aspects of nonperturbative QCD, ranging from mechanical properties of the proton, to the binding inside nuclei, and the existence of hidden-charm pentaquarks. Factorization of the photon-$c \bar c$ and nucleon dynamics or Vector Meson Dominance are often invoked to justify these studies. Alternatively, open charm intermediate states have been proposed as the dominant mechanism underlying $J/\psi$ photoproduction. As the latter violates this factorization, it is important to estimate the relevance of such contributions. We analyse the latest differential and integrated photoproduction cross sections from the GlueX and $J/\psi$-007 experiments. We show that the data can be adequately described by a small number of partial waves, which we parameterize with generic models enforcing low-energy unitarity. The results suggest a nonnegligible contribution from open charm intermediate states. Furthermore, most of the models present an elastic scattering length incompatible with previous extractions based on Vector Meson Dominance, and thus call into question its applicability to heavy mesons. Our results indicate a wide array of physics possibilities that are compatible with present data and need to be disentangled., Comment: 15 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables. Version to appear on Phys. Rev. D

We study the decay $J/\psi\to\pi^{+}\pi^{-}\pi^{0}$ within the framework of the Khuri-Treiman equations. We find that the BESIII experimental di-pion mass distribution in the $\rho(770)$-region is well reproduced with a once-subtracted $P$-wave amplitude. Furthermore, we show that $F$-wave contributions to the amplitude improve the description of the data in the $\pi\pi$ mass region around 1.5 GeV. We also present predictions for the $J/\psi\to\pi^{0}\gamma^{*}$ transition form factor., Comment: 20 pages, 9 figures

Semi-inclusive processes are very promising to investigate $XYZ$ hadrons at the next generation of electron-hadron facilities, because they generally boast higher cross sections. We extend our formalism of exclusive photoproduction to semi-inclusive final states. The inclusive production cross sections for charged axial-vector $Z$ states from pion exchange are predicted. We isolate the contribution of $\Delta$ resonances at small missing mass. Production near threshold is shown to be enhanced roughly by a factor of two compared to the exclusive reaction. We benchmark the model with data of semi-inclusive $b_1^\pm$ production., Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures. Few typos fixed and references updated. Version appeared on PRD

We perform the first model independent analysis of experimental data using Deep Neural Networks to determine the nature of an exotic hadron. Specifically, we study the line shape of the $P_c(4312)$ signal reported by the LHCb collaboration and we find that its most likely interpretation is that of a virtual state. This method can be applied to other near-threshold resonance candidates., Comment: Manuscript: 5 pages, 5 figures, 1 table; Supplemental material: 7 pages, 7 figures, 1 table

We perform a systematic analysis of the $J/\psi \to \gamma \pi^0\pi^0$ and $\to \gamma K_S^0 K_S^0$ partial waves measured by BESIII. We use a large set of amplitude parametrizations to reduce the model bias. We determine the physical properties of seven scalar and tensor resonances in the 1-2.5 GeV mass range. These include the well known $f_0(1500)$ and $f_0(1710)$, that are considered to be the primary glueball candidates. The hierarchy of resonance couplings determined from this analysis favors the latter as the one with the largest glueball component., Comment: 17 pages, 11 figures + 28 pages of Supplemental Material

We report on the measurement of spin density matrix elements of the $\Lambda(1520)$ in the photoproduction reaction $\gamma p\rightarrow \Lambda(1520)K^+$, via its subsequent decay to $K^{-}p$. The measurement was performed as part of the GlueX experimental program in Hall D at Jefferson Lab using a linearly polarized photon beam with $E_\gamma =$ 8.2-8.8 GeV. These are the first such measurements in this photon energy range. Results are presented in bins of momentum transfer squared, $-(t-t_\text{0})$. We compare the results with a Reggeon exchange model and determine that natural exchange amplitudes are dominant in $\Lambda(1520)$ photoproduction., Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures, accepted version

Backward angle (u-channel) scattering provides complementary information for studies of hadron spectroscopy and structure, but has been less comprehensively studied than the corresponding forward angle case. As a result, the physics of u-channel scattering poses a range of new experimental and theoretical opportunities and questions. We summarize recent progress in measuring and understanding high energy reactions with baryon charge exchange in the u-channel, as discussed in the first backward angle (u-channel) Physics Workshop. In particular, we discuss backward angle measurements and their theoretical description via both hadronic models and the collinear factorization approach, and discuss planned future measurements of u-channel physics. Finally, we propose outstanding questions and challenges for u-channel physics.

The production of $\eta^{(\prime)}\pi$ pairs constitutes one of the golden channels to search for hybrid exotics, with explicit gluonic degrees of freedom. Understanding the dynamics and backgrounds associated to $\eta^{(\prime)}\pi$ production above the resonance region is required to impose additional constraints to the resonance extraction. We consider the reaction $\pi^-p\to \eta^{(\prime)} \pi^- \,p$ measured by COMPASS. We show that the data in $2.4 < m_{\eta^{(\prime)}\pi} < 3.0$ GeV can be described by amplitudes based on double-Regge exchanges. The angular distribution of the meson pairs, in particular in the $\eta' \pi$ channel, can be attributed to flavor singlet exchanges, suggesting the presence of a large gluon content that couples strongly to the produced mesons., Comment: 25 pages, 30 figures, 6 appendices. Version to appear in Eur. Phys. J. C

This report describes the physics case, the resulting detector requirements, and the evolving detector concepts for the experimental program at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). The EIC will be a powerful new high-luminosity facility in the United States with the capability to collide high-energy electron beams with high-energy proton and ion beams, providing access to those regions in the nucleon and nuclei where their structure is dominated by gluons. Moreover, polarized beams in the EIC will give unprecedented access to the spatial and spin structure of the proton, neutron, and light ions. The studies leading to this document were commissioned and organized by the EIC User Group with the objective of advancing the state and detail of the physics program and developing detector concepts that meet the emerging requirements in preparation for the realization of the EIC. The effort aims to provide the basis for further development of concepts for experimental equipment best suited for the science needs, including the importance of two complementary detectors and interaction regions. This report consists of three volumes. Volume I is an executive summary of our findings and developed concepts. In Volume II we describe studies of a wide range of physics measurements and the emerging requirements on detector acceptance and performance. Volume III discusses general-purpose detector concepts and the underlying technologies to meet the physics requirements. These considerations will form the basis for a world-class experimental program that aims to increase our understanding of the fundamental structure of all visible matter, Comment: 902 pages, 415 authors, 151 institutions

The quark structure of the $f_2(1270)$ meson has, for many years, been assumed to be a pure quark-antiquark ($q\bar{q}$) resonance with quantum numbers $J^{PC} = 2^{++}$. Recently, it was proposed that the $f_2(1270)$ is a molecular state made from the attractive interaction of two $\rho$-mesons. Such a state would be expected to decay strongly to final states with charged pions, due to the dominant decay $\rho \to \pi^+ \pi^-$, whereas decay to two neutral pions would likely be suppressed. Here, we measure for the first time the reaction $\gamma p \to \pi^0 \pi^0 p$, using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab for incident beam energies between 3.6-5.4~GeV. Differential cross sections, $d\sigma / dt$, for $f_2(1270)$ photoproduction are extracted with good precision, due to low backgrounds, and are compared with theoretical calculations., Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures

The next generation of electron-hadron facilities has the potential for significantly improving our understanding of exotic hadrons. The XYZ states have not been seen in photon-induced reactions so far. Their observation in such processes would provide an independent confirmation of their existence and offer new insights into their internal structure. Based on the known experimental data and the well-established quarkonium and Regge phenomenology, we give estimates for the exclusive cross sections of several XYZ states. For energies near threshold we expect cross sections of few nanobarns for the Zc(3900)+ and upwards of tens of nanobarn for the X(3872), which are well within reach of new facilities., Comment: 16 pages, 10 figures, 8 tables. New section for Primakoff X(3872) production; revised estimates for the Y(4260) cross section, in light of HERA data

In light of recent experimental results, we revisit the dispersive analysis of the $\omega \to 3\pi$ decay amplitude and of the $\omega\pi^0$ transition form factor. Within the framework of the Khuri-Treiman equations, we show that the $\omega \to 3\pi$ Dalitz-plot parameters obtained with a once-subtracted amplitude are in agreement with the latest experimental determination by BESIII. Furthermore, we show that at low energies the $\omega\pi^0$ transition form factor obtained from our determination of the $\omega \to 3\pi$ amplitude is consistent with the data from MAMI and NA60 experiments.

We study tensor meson photoproduction outside of the resonance region, at beam energies of few GeVs. We build a model based on Regge theory that includes the leading vector and axial exchanges. We consider two determinations of the unknown helicity couplings, and fit to the recent a2 photoproduction data from CLAS. Both choices give a similar description of the a2 cross section, but result in different predictions for the parity asymmetries and the f2 photoproduction cross section. We conclude that new measurements of f2 photoproduction in the forward region are needed to pin down the correct production mechanism. We also extend our predictions to the 8.5 GeV beam energy, where current experiments are running., Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables. Version accepted for publication on Phys.Rev.D

We present the first measurement of the exclusive reaction $\gamma p \rightarrow a_2(1320)^0 \, p$ in the photon energy range $3.5$-$5.5$ GeV and four-momentum transfer squared $0.2<-t<2.0$ GeV$^2$. Data were collected with the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The neutral $a_2$ resonance was detected by measuring the reaction $\gamma p \rightarrow \pi^0 \eta p$ and reconstructing the $\pi^0 \eta$ invariant mass. The differential cross section $d\sigma/dt$ was extracted at different beam energies in each $-t$ bin. The most prominent feature of the differential cross section is a dip at $-t\simeq 0.55$ GeV$^2$. This can be well described in the framework of Regge phenomenology, where the exchange degeneracy hypothesis predicts a zero in the reaction amplitude for this value of the four-momentum transfer., Comment: Version accepted for publication in PRC, "Rapid Communications" section

We present a general formalism to write the decay amplitude for multibody reactions with explicit separation of the rotational degrees of freedom, which are well controlled by the spin of the decay particle, and dynamic functions on the subchannel invariant masses, which require modeling. Using the three-particle kinematics we demonstrate the proposed factorization, named the Dalitz-plot decomposition. The Wigner rotations, that are subtle factors needed by the isobar modeling in the helicity framework, are simplified with the proposed decomposition. Consequently, we are able to provide them in an explicit form suitable for the general case of arbitrary spins. The only unknown model-dependent factors are the isobar lineshapes that describe the subchannel dynamics. The advantages of the new decomposition are shown through three examples relevant for the recent discovery of the exotic charmonium candidate $Z_c(4430)$, the pentaquarks $P_c$, and the intriguing $\Lambda_c^+\to pK^-\pi^+$ decay., Comment: 14 pages, 7 figures

Khuri-Treiman equations have proven to be a useful theoretical tool in the analysis of 3-body decays, specially into the $3\pi$ final state. In this work we present in full detail the necessary generalization of the formalism to study the decays of particles with arbitrary spin, parity, and charge conjugation. To this extent, we find it most convenient to work with helicity amplitudes instead of the so-called invariant amplitudes, specially when dealing with the unitarity relations. The isobar expansions in the three possible ($s$-, $t$-, and $u$-) final channels are related with the appropriate crossing matrices. We pay special attention to the kinematical singularities and constraints of the helicity amplitudes, showing that these can be derived by means of the crossing matrix.

The formalism devoted to the production of two pseudoscalar mesons with a linearly polarized photon beam has been detailed and illustrated in Phys. Rev. D100 (2019) 054017. This document reports the necessary formulas, without proof, to perform an analysis of the angular distribution of two mesons photoproduction. The relations to extract moments of the angular distribution are provided, as well as the relations between moments and partial waves for a system involving $S$, $P$ and $D$ waves. The expressions of the integrated beam asymmetry and the beam asymmetry along the $y$ axis in term of moments are mentioned., Comment: 9 pages, 1 figures, MENU 2019 conference proceedings

In the search for exotic mesons, the GlueX collaboration will soon extract moments of the $\eta\pi^0$ angular distribution. In the perspective of these results, we generalize the formalism of moment extraction to the case in which the two mesons are produced with a linearly polarized beam, and build a model for the reaction $\vec \gamma p \to \eta \pi^0 p$. The model includes resonant $S$-, $P$-, $D$-waves in $\eta\pi^0$, produced by natural exchanges. Moments of the $\eta\pi^0$ angular distribution are computed with and without the $P$-wave, to illustrate the sensitivity to exotic resonances. Although little sensitivity to the $P$-wave is found in moments of even angular momentum, moments of odd angular momentum are proportional to the interference between the $P$-wave and the dominant $S$- and $D$-waves. We also generalize the definition of the beam asymmetry for two mesons photoproduction and show that, when the meson momenta are perpendicular to the reaction plane, the beam asymmetry enhances the sensitivity to the exotic $P$-wave., Comment: 17 pages, 7 figures, match the published version

In recent years, different on-shell $\mathbf{3}\to\mathbf{3}$ scattering formalisms have been proposed to be applied to both lattice QCD and infinite volume scattering processes. We prove that the formulation in the infinite volume presented by Hansen and Sharpe in Phys.~Rev.~D92, 114509 (2015) and subsequently Brice\~no, Hansen, and Sharpe in Phys.~Rev.~D95, 074510 (2017) can be recovered from the $B$-matrix representation, derived on the basis of $S$-matrix unitarity, presented by Mai {\em et al.} in Eur.~Phys.~J.~A53, 177 (2017) and Jackura {\em et al.} in Eur.~Phys.~J.~C79, 56 (2019). Therefore, both formalisms in the infinite volume are equivalent and the physical content is identical. Additionally, the Faddeev equations are recovered in the non-relativistic limit of both representations., Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures

We discuss unitarity constraints on the dynamics of a system of three interacting particles. We show how the short-range interaction that describes three-body resonances can be separated from the long-range exchange processes, in particular the one-pion-exchange process. It is demonstrated that unitarity demands a specific functional form of the amplitude with a clear interpretation: the bare three-particle resonances are dressed by the initial- and final-state interaction, in a way that is consistent with the considered long-range forces. We postulate that the resonance kernel admits a factorization in the energy variables of the initial- and the final-state particles. The factorization assumption leads to an algebraic form for the unitarity equations, which is reminiscent of the well-known two-body-unitarity condition and approaches it in the limit of the narrow-resonance approximation., Comment: 15 pages, 1 figure

We study the nature of the new signal reported by LHCb in the J/psi p spectrum. Based on the S-matrix principles, we perform a minimum-bias analysis of the underlying reaction amplitude, focusing on the analytic properties that can be related to the microscopic origin of the Pc(4312) peak. By exploring several amplitude parametrizations, we find evidence for the attractive effect of the Sigma_c+ D0bar channel, which is not strong enough, however, to form a bound state., Comment: 6 pages + Supplemental material. Version accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters

The first CLAS12 experiments will provide high-precision data on inclusive electron scattering observables at a photon virtuality $Q^2$ ranging from 0.05 GeV$^2$ to 12 GeV$^2$ and center-of-mass energies $W$ up to 4 GeV. In view of this endeavour, we present the modeling of the resonant contributions to the inclusive electron scattering observables. As input, we use the existing CLAS electrocoupling results obtained from exclusive meson electroproduction data off protons, and evaluate for the first time the resonant contributions based on the experimental results on the nucleon resonance electroexcitation. The uncertainties are given by the data and duly propagated through a Monte Carlo approach. In this way, we obtain estimates for the resonant contributions, important for insight into the nucleon parton distributions in the resonance region and for the studies of quark-hadron duality.

Mapping states with explicit gluonic degrees of freedom in the light sector is a challenge, and has led to controversies in the past. In particular, the experiments have reported two different hybrid candidates with spin-exotic signature, pi1(1400) and pi1(1600), which couple separately to eta pi and eta' pi. This picture is not compatible with recent Lattice QCD estimates for hybrid states, nor with most phenomenological models. We consider the recent partial wave analysis of the eta(') pi system by the COMPASS collaboration. We fit the extracted intensities and phases with a coupled-channel amplitude that enforces the unitarity and analyticity of the S-matrix. We provide a robust extraction of a single exotic pi1 resonant pole, with mass and width 1564 +- 24 +- 86 MeV and 492 +- 54 +- 102 MeV, which couples to both eta(') pi channels. We find no evidence for a second exotic state. We also provide the resonance parameters of the a2(1320) and a2'(1700)., Comment: 6 pages + 3 pages of supplemental material. Version to appear on Phys.Rev.Lett

We perform an analysis of the three-pion system with quantum numbers $J^{PC}=1^{++}$ produced in the weak decay of $\tau$ leptons. The interaction is known to be dominated by the axial meson $a_1(1260)$. We build a model based on approximate three-body unitarity and fix the free parameters by fitting it to the ALEPH data on $\tau^-\to \pi^-\pi^+\pi^-\,\nu_\tau$ decay. We then perform the analytic continuation of the amplitude to the complex energy plane. The singularity structures related to the $\pi\pi$ subchannel resonances are carefully addressed. Finally, we extract the $a_1(1260)$ pole position $m_p^{(a_1(1260))}-i\Gamma_p^{(a_1(1260))}/2$ with $m_p^{(a_1(1260))} = (1209 \pm 4^{+12}_{-9})\text{MeV}$, $\Gamma_p^{(a_1(1260))} = (576 \pm 11 ^{+89}_{-20})\text{MeV}$}., Comment: 20 pages, 22 figures

Further progress in hadron spectroscopy necessitates the phenomenological description of three particle reactions. We consider the isobar approximation, where the connected part of the $\mathbf{3}\to\mathbf{3}$ amplitude is first expressed as a sum over initial and final pairs, and then expanded into a truncated partial wave series. The resulting unitarity equation is automatically fulfilled by the $B$-matrix solution, which is an integral equation for the partial wave amplitudes, analogous to the $K$-matrix parameterization used to describe $\mathbf{2}\to\mathbf{2}$ amplitudes. We study the one particle exchange and how its analytic structure impacts rescattering solutions such as the triangle diagram. The analytic structure is compared to other parameterizations discussed in the literature. We briefly discuss the analogies with recent formalisms for extracting $\mathbf{3}\to\mathbf{3}$ scattering amplitudes in lattice QCD., Comment: 29 pages, 22 figures. Updated discussion on comparison with finite volume formalisms

Longitudinal phase space analyses as introduced by van Hove provided a simplified method of separating different reaction production mechanisms. Cuts in the longitudinal phase space can help to select specific reaction kinematics but also induce nonflat acceptance effects in angular distributions. We show that in photoproduction reactions dominated by t-channel exchanges, selection of meson or baryon production over a large mass range can be optimized through calculating mass-dependent cut limits compared to cuts on a van Hove plot sector alone. A cut is presented that improves this selection of one type of hadron production by rejecting another. In addition we demonstrate that using cuts in longitudinal phase space preserves sufficient information to reliably extract observables from the angular distribution of the final state particles., Comment: 9 pages, 9 figures, copyright APS

We use Regge phenomenology to study the structure of the poles of the $N^*$ and $\Delta^*$ spectrum. We employ the available pole extractions from partial wave analysis of meson scattering and photoproduction data. We assess the importance of the imaginary part of the poles (widths) to obtain a consistent determination of the parameters of the Regge trajectory. We compare the several pole extractions and show how Regge phenomenology can be used to gain insight in the internal structure of baryons. We find that the majority of the states in the parent Regge trajectories are compatible with a mostly compact three-quark state picture.

The exclusive reaction $\gamma p \to p K^+ K^-$ was studied in the photon energy range $3.0 - 3.8 \mbox{ GeV}$ and momentum transfer range $0.6<-t<1.3 \mbox{ GeV}^2$. Data were collected with the CLAS detector at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. In this kinematic range the integrated luminosity was approximately 20 pb$^{-1}$. The reaction was isolated by detecting the $K^+$ and the proton in CLAS, and reconstructing the $K^-$ via the missing-mass technique. Moments of the di-kaon decay angular distributions were extracted from the experimental data. Besides the dominant contribution of the $\phi$ meson in the $P$-wave, evidence for $S-P$ interference was found. The differential production cross sections $d\sigma/dt$ for individual waves in the mass range of the $\phi$ resonance were extracted and compared to predictions of a Regge-inspired model. This is the first time the $t$-dependent cross section of the $S$-wave contribution to the elastic $K^+K^-$ photoproduction has been measured., Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:0907.1021

We derive and apply the finite energy sum rules to pion photoproduction. We evaluate the low energy part of the sum rules using several state-of-the-art models. We show how the differences in the low energy side of the sum rules might originate from different quantum number assignments of baryon resonances. We interpret the observed features in the low energy side of the sum rules with the expectation from Regge theory. Finally, we present a model, in terms of a Regge-pole expansion, that matches the sum rules and the high-energy observables., Comment: 19 pages, 15 figures and 4 tables

Many experiments that are conducted to study the hadron spectrum rely on peripheral resonance production. Hereby, the rapidity gap allows the process to be viewed as an independent fragmen- tation of the beam and the target, with the beam fragmentation dominated by production and decays of meson resonances. We test this separation by determining the kinematic regimes that are dominated by factorizable contributions, indicating the most favorable regions to perform this kind of experiments. In doing so, we use a Regge model to analyze the available world data of charge exchange meson production with beam momentum above 5 GeV in the laboratory frame, that are not dominated by either pion or Pomeron exchanges. We determine the Regge residues and point out the kinematic regimes which are dominated by factorizable contributions.

We discuss the differences between several partial-wave analysis formalisms used in the construction of three-body decay amplitudes involving fermions. Specifically, we consider the decay Lambda_b -> psi p K- , where the hidden charm pentaquark signal has been reported. We analyze the analytical properties of the amplitudes and separate kinematical and dynamical singularities. The result is an amplitude with the minimal energy dependence compatible with the S-matrix principles., Comment: 30 pages, 4 figures. Added one section about MacDowell symmetry. Few other references added

This volume is a short summary of talks given at the PKI2018 Workshop organized to discuss current status and future prospects of pi-K interactions. The precise data on pi-K interaction will have a strong impact on strange meson spectroscopy and form factors that are important ingredients in the Dalitz plot analysis of a decays of heavy mesons as well as precision measurement of Vus matrix element and therefore on a test of unitarity in the first raw of the CKM matrix. The workshop has combined the efforts of experimentalists, Lattice QCD, and phenomenology communities. Experimental data relevant to the topic of the workshop were presented from the broad range of different collaborations like CLAS, GlueX, COMPASS, BaBar, BELLE, BESIII, VEPP-2000, and LHCb. One of the main goals of this workshop was to outline a need for a new high intensity and high precision secondary KL beam facility at JLab produced with the 12 GeV electron beam of CEBAF accelerator. This workshop is a successor of the workshops Physics with Neutral Kaon Beam at JLab [1] held at JLab, February, 2016; Excited Hyperons in QCD Thermodynamics at Freeze-Out [2] held at JLab, November, 2016; New Opportunities with High-Intensity Photon Sources [3] held at CUA, February, 2017. Further details about the PKI2018 Workshop can be found on the web page of the conference: http://www.jlab.org/conferences/pki2018/ ., Comment: 163 pages

The Khuri-Treiman formalism models the partial-wave expansion of a scattering amplitude as a sum of three individual truncated series, capturing the low-energy dynamics of the direct and cross channels. We cast this formalism into dispersive equations to study $\pi\pi$ scattering, and compare their expressions and numerical output to the Roy and GKPY equations. We prove that the Khuri-Treiman equations and Roy equations coincide when both are truncated to include only $S$- and $P$-waves. When higher partial waves are included, we find an excellent agreement between the Khuri-Treiman and the GKPY results. This lends credence to the notion that the Khuri-Treiman formalism is a reliable low-energy tool for studying hadronic reaction amplitudes., Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, 1 table

We propose a model based on Regge theory to describe photoproduction of light vector mesons. We fit the SLAC data and make predictions for the energy and momentum transfer dependence of the spin-density matrix elements in photoproduction of $\omega$, $\rho^0$ and $\phi$ mesons at $E_\gamma \sim 8.5$ GeV, which are soon to be measured at Jefferson Lab., Comment: Code avalaible on the JPAC website: http://www.indiana.edu/~jpac/index.html

Hadron decay chains constitute one of the main sources of information on the QCD spectrum. We discuss the differences between several partial wave analysis formalisms used in the literature to build the amplitudes. We match the helicity amplitudes to the covariant tensor basis. Hereby, we pay attention to the analytical properties of the amplitudes and separate singularities of kinematical and dynamical nature. We study the analytical properties of the spin-orbit (LS) formalism, and some of the covariant tensor approaches. In particular, we explicitly build the amplitudes for the B -> psi pi K and B -> Dbar pi pi decays, and show that the energy dependence of the covariant approach is model dependent. We also show that the usual recursive construction of covariant tensors explicitly violates crossing symmetry, which would lead to different resonance parameters extracted from scattering and decay processes., Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures

Hybrid/exotic meson spectroscopy searches at Jefferson Lab require the accurate theoretical description of the production mechanism in peripheral photoproduction. We develop a model for $\pi\Delta$ photoproduction at high energies ($5 \leq E_{\text{lab}} \leq 16~\text{GeV}$) that incorporates both the absorbed pion and natural-parity cut contributions. We fit the available observables, providing a good description of the energy and angular dependencies of the experimental data. We also provide predictions for the photon beam asymmetry of charged pions at $E_{\text{lab}} = 9~\text{GeV}$ which is expected to be measured by GlueX and CLAS12 experiments in the near future.

Analyticity constitutes a rigid constraint on hadron scattering amplitudes. This property is used to relate models in different energy regimes. Using meson photoproduction as a benchmark, we show how to test contemporary low energy models directly against high energy data. This method pinpoints deficiencies of the models and treads a path to further improvement. The implementation of this technique enables one to produce more stable and reliable partial waves for future use in hadron spectroscopy and new physics searches., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures

We present a new amplitude analysis of the $\eta\pi$ $D$-wave in $\pi^- p\to \eta\pi^- p$ measured by COMPASS. Employing an analytical model based on the principles of the relativistic $S$-matrix, we find two resonances that can be identified with the $a_2(1320)$ and the excited $a_2^\prime(1700)$, and perform a comprehensive analysis of their pole positions. For the mass and width of the $a_2$ we find $M=(1307 \pm 1 \pm 6)$~MeV and $\Gamma=(112 \pm 1 \pm 8)$~MeV, and for the excited state $a_2^\prime$ we obtain $M=(1720 \pm 10 \pm 60)$~MeV and $\Gamma=(280\pm 10 \pm 70)$~MeV, respectively., Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures