Measurement of γp→K+Λ and γp→K+Σ0 at photon energies up to 2.1 GeV

The reactions γp→K+ Λ and γp→K+ Σ0 have been measured with the multiparticle detector system SAPHIR at ELSA in Bonn. Besides the differential cross sections the Λ polarization and, for the first time, the Σ0 polarization have been determined in a photon induced reaction. All data are presented as functions of the photon energy (from threshold up to 1.47 GeV) and of the kaon production angle (0°–180°). The polarization of both Λ and Σ0 is substantial at all energies and varies strongly with the production angle.