Conspiracy and Evasion inπandKPhotoproduction

Abstract

We attempt to fit ${\pi }^{+}$ and $K^{+}$ photoproduction data near the forward direction by Reggeized $\pi$ and $K$ exchange, respectively, allowing for possible conspiracies. We argue that the pion trajectory conspires, with a strength given by the nucleon pole term, while the kaon evades or conspires weakly. We show that the unequal-mass kinematics of $K$ photoproduction in no way prevents or restricts the possibility of conspiracy. In the Appendix we discuss the choice of kinematics-free amplitudes, including the effect of gauge invariance.