Eur. Phys. J. A 24, s2.101-s2.102 (2005)
DOI: 10.1140/epjad/s2005-04-022-2

Time-like compton scattering and the Bethe-Heitler process

Stephen R. Cotanch

Department of Physics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC 27695-8202, USA

(Received 15 October 2004 / Published online 08 February 2005)

Abstract

Arguments are presented for p(γ,e⁺e^-)p measurements to obtain new information about the off-shell time-like nucleon form factors, especially in the φ meson region governing the φ N couplings g^V,T_{φ N N}. Theoretical predictions based upon a Quantum Hadrodynamic model and vector meson dominance are highlighted for both the proton form factor and the time-like Compton scattering cross section. The Bethe-Heitler process is also calculated but is only important at low momentum transfer |t| permitting a novel high |t| φ enhancement in the Compton cross section related to nucleon strangeness to emerge.

PACS: 12.40.Nn Regge theory - 12.40.Vv Vector-meson dominance - 13.40.Gp Electromagnetic form factors - 13.40.Hq Electromagnetic decays

© Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2005