On the spin-observables in pseudoscalar meson photoproduction

Spin-observables in pseudoscalar meson photoproduction are discussed. This work is complementary to the earlier works on this topic. Here, the reaction amplitude is expressed in Pauli-spin basis which allows to calculate all the observables straightforwardly. We make use of the fact that the underlying reflection symmetry about the reaction plane can be most conveniently and easily exploited in this basis to help find the non-vanishing and independent observables in this reaction. The important issue of complete experiments is reviewed. By expressing the reaction amplitude in Pauli-spin basis, many sets of eight observables—distinct from those found in earlier works from the amplitude in transversity basis—capable of determining the reaction amplitude up to an overall phase are found. It is also shown that some of the combinations of the spin observables are suited for studying certain aspects of the reaction dynamics. We, then, carry out a (strictly) model-independent partial-wave analysis, in particular, of the peculiar angular behavior of the beam asymmetry observed in ${\eta }^{\prime }$ photoproduction very close to threshold (Levi Sandri et al 2015 Eur. Phys. J. A 51 77). This work should be useful, especially, for newcomers in the field of baryon spectroscopy, where the photoproduction reactions are a major tool for probing the baryon spectra. (paper)