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

The reaction gamma p -> K*(+)Lambda 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 Lambda 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*Lambda for these resonances and further resonances are reported. (C) 2017 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V.