Modelling meson clouds using coherent states

A simple model for the quark-pion interaction is used to test the validity of a variational approach which is often used in realistic models for baryons. That simple model is solvable in the weak coupling regime as well as in the strong one. As we show, the approach consisting of a meson description by coherent states supplemented by an angular momentum and isospin projection onto states of good quantum numbers (such as the nucleon or delta resonance) is flexible enough at least to reproduce the accurate results in those two limits. However, in order for these results to be achieved, the so-called variation after projection method has to be applied. This study gives confidence for using similar techniques in realist models of quarks and mesons in interaction. (paper)