Regge Poles in Resonance Production

Abstract

The theory of Regge trajectory exchange is applied to the high-energy production of meson and baryon resonances. The helicity representation is used for the production amplitudes. The predictions are compared with experimental data on production of the $N^{*}\mathrm{}\left(1238\right)\mathrm{}$ nucleon resonance by pions and kaons, and also the production of the $f^0$ and $\rho$ mesons by pions. The energy dependence of the differential cross section is found to be consistent with the Regge-pole exchange model. Values for the $\rho$, $A_2$, and $\pi$ trajectories are determined. The $\rho$ and $A_2$ values are compared with those determined by analysis of elastic and charge-exchange scattering data. The $\pi$ trajectory values have not been determined in other reactions, but they are consistent with the known general properties of Regge trajectories. The spin density matrix elements are not strongly restricted by the theory, but the predictions that can be made are also consistent with experiment.