Speaker
Description
Studies of the spectrum and structure of excited nucleon ($N^*$) states via photo- and electroproduction of exclusive reactions are important for exploring non-perturbative strong interaction dynamics. Data from the $KY$ channels is complementary to studies limited to the non-strange $\pi N$, $\eta N$, and $\pi \pi N$ channels. $KY$ photoproduction observables have been pivotal in identifying several ``missing'' higher-lying $N^*$ states not seen in other channels. Investigations of $N^*$ structure from different exclusive channels in terms of their $\gamma_{r,v}pN^*$ photo- and electrocouplings over a broad $Q^2$ range are providing essential insights into the nature of the non-perturbative strong interaction responsible for their generation. $KY$ data are necessary to provide independent cross-checks of these amplitudes. In this regard, continued development of both single- and coupled-channel $KY$ reaction models is essential. Data mining analysis continues from the CLAS datasets of the JLab 6-GeV era taken from 1997 to 2012 spanning $Q^2$ up to 5~GeV$^2$. In parallel, analysis is proceeding on new JLab 12-GeV era datasets collected with the CLAS12 detector spanning $Q^2$ up to 10-12~GeV$^2$ that began in 2018. This talk will present an overview of the available $KY$ photo- and electroproduction cross sections and polarization observables with a look at recent results. Future $KY$ studies at a possible 22~GeV energy-upgraded JLab are also now being considered to approach the perturbative QCD regime and will be discussed.