CUT CONSPIRACY AND PION EVASION IN PI+ AND PI- PHOTOPRODUCTION

We propose a four-trajectory model to interpret π+ and π- photoproduction off nucleons. The model makes use of evading π and ρ trajectories, an evading ρP cut, and a conspiring πP cut. The model is found to be in good agreement with π+ photoproduction data for lab γ-ray energies ranging from 2 to 16 GeV and |t| values ranging from 10-4 to 2.0 (GeVc)2. It is also found to be in good agreement with the observed t-dependent ratio of π- to π+ photoproduction at 3.4 and 5 GeV. Predictions are made for high-energy charged photomeson production cross sections in which the bombarding photon is polarized. © 1969 The American Physical Society.