𝜌-meson nucleon scattering length from CLAS threshold photoproduction measurements
Here, extending our study of the vector meson-nucleon scattering lengths, we are focusing on the 𝜌-meson case using recent CLAS threshold data for the reaction 𝛾𝑝 →𝜌𝑝 within the meson–baryon reaction model. The total 𝜎 𝑡 (𝛾𝑝 →𝜌𝑝) and 𝜎 𝑡 (𝛾𝑝 →𝜔𝑝) cross sections are close to the momentum of the vector meson in CM 𝑞 =0.2 GeV/c. Then the 𝜌𝑝 photoproduction cross section grows rapidly. Our result for 𝜌𝑁 scattering length is a factor of 4 smaller than the size of the hadron and the phenomenological determination of the 𝜔 nucleon scattering length using threshold photoproduction cross sections. The observed difference between 𝜌𝑁 and 𝜔𝑁 scattering lengths is of interest for further understanding within hadron structure theory.