Strangeness Photoproduction in the γp → K0 Σ+ Reaction

The photoproduction reaction {gamma}p {yields} K{sup 0} {Sigma}{sup +} was analyzed in the photon energy range from 1.15 to 2.35 GeV. This thesis contains the first high-statistics analysis of K{sup 0} photoproduction. Data were taken in Hall B at Jefferson Lab using tagged photons incident on a liquid hydrogen target, with all outgoing charged particles in the final states ({pi}{sup +} {pi}{sup -})(p {pi}{sup 0}) and ({pi}{sup +} {pi}{sup -})(n {pi}{sup +}) detected by the CLAS spectrometer. As the reaction {gamma}p {yields} K{sup 0} {Sigma}{sup +} is a rare process, most of the detected events are due to unwanted background reactions. Careful data fits and cross checks are required to identify the reaction being studied. To determine the acceptance for the desired reaction and the possible contamination by background processes, a detailed Monte Carlo simulation of all of these processes is performed. Data sets at beam energies of 2.445 and 3.115 GeV were studied separately and then averaged into a single data set, with much better statistical precis ion than previous measurements. Our cross sections are smaller than previous experimental data and theoretical predictions based on those data, especially in the forward angular region, but are similar in shape inmore » the total cross section.« less