Dispersion theory of proton Compton scattering in the first and second resonance regions

Dispersion theory of proton Compton scattering is extended to energies up to ∼1 GeV where excitations of higher resonances and nonresonance double-pion photoproduction become important photoabsorption mechanisms. To saturate s-channel dispersion relations, the VPI partial-wave analysis of single-pion photoproduction and resonance photocouplings is used. Models for double-pion photoproduction and dispersion asymptotic contributions are constructed. The latter are mainly given by π0 and σ(600) exchanges. Being used in dispersion calculations, they result in a reasonable agreement with all available data on both differential cross sections and polarization observables in Compton scattering. Some unsolved problems are outlined. copyright 1997 The American Physical Society