Amplitude-phase patterns: A new look at strong interactions

The phases of complex spin-dependent scattering amplitudes for elastic processes NN, πN, πd, along with pp→dπ+, are analyzed in various frames of reference for spin quantization. When all available energies and angles are compiled it is seen that the ''phase histograms'' for each reaction have remarkably simple properties in one choice of optimal frame; the phases tend to be integer multiples of 90 , within existing uncertainties. A two-component model for πN is presented that reproduces the striking pattern of phases and its generalization is discussed. ((orig.))