Differential cross sections and polarization observables from CLAS K* photoproduction and the search for new N* states

Abstract The reaction γ p → K ⁎ + Λ was measured using the CLAS detector for photon energies between the threshold and 3.9 GeV at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. For the first time, spin-density matrix elements have been extracted for this reaction. Differential cross sections, spin density matrix elements, and the Λ recoil polarization are compared with theoretical predictions using the BnGa partial wave analysis. The main result is the evidence for significant contributions from N ( 1895 ) 1 / 2 − and N ( 2100 ) 1 / 2 + to the reaction. Branching ratios for decays into K ⁎ Λ for these resonances and further resonances are reported.