Partial wave analysis of $K^+N$ scattering and the possibility of pentaquark $\Theta^+(1540)$

Abstract

Elastic $K^+ n\to K^+ n$ and charge exchange $K^+n\to K^0p$ reactions at low momenta are investigated using the partial wave analysis. Isospin relation gives constrains for the partial $s$- and $p$-waves among elastic $K^+p$, $K^+n$ and charge exchange $K^+n\to K^0p$ amplitudes. Two sets of the phase shift for these partial waves in the isoscalar channel are obtained from the fit of experimental data on total and differential cross sections. Polarization observable leads to a good criterion to decide which set is valid. Differential cross section data near $P_{\rm Lab}=434$ MeV/$c$ suggests a possibility of a resonance, e.g., the exotic $\Theta^+(1540)$ baryon around $\sqrt{s}\simeq$ 1.54GeV.