Recent measurements using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab of the reactions γ +p → K + +Λ and γ + p → K + + Σ 0 have been used to extract the spin transfer coefficients Cx and Cz for the first time. These observables quantify the degree of the photon circular polarization that is transferred to the recoiling hyperons in the scattering plane. The unexpected result is that Λ hyperons are produced "100% polarized" as seen when combining Cx and Cz with the induced transverse polarization, P .

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... hermore, Cx and Cz seem to be linearly related. This paper discusses the experimental results and offers a hypothesis which can explain these observations. We show how the produced strange quark can be subject to a pure spin-orbit type of interaction which preserves its state of polarization throughout the hadronization process. PACS. 25.20.Lj Photoproduction reactions -13.40.-f Electromagnetic processes and properties -13.60.Le Meson production -13.30.Eg Hadronic decays -13.60.-r Photon and charged lepton interactions with hadrons arXiv:nucl-ex/Abstract. Recent measurements using the CLAS detector at Jefferson Lab of the reactions γ +p → K + +Λ and γ + p → K + + Σ 0 have been used to extract the spin transfer coefficients Cx and Cz for the first time. These observables quantify the degree of the photon circular polarization that is transferred to the recoiling hyperons in the scattering plane. The unexpected result is that Λ hyperons are produced "100% polarized" as seen when combining Cx and Cz with the induced transverse polarization, P . Furthermore, Cx and Cz seem to be linearly related. This paper discusses the experimental results and offers a hypothesis which can explain these observations. We show how the produced strange quark can be subject to a pure spin-orbit type of interaction which preserves its state of polarization throughout the hadronization process. PACS. 25.20.Lj Photoproduction reactions -13.40.-f Electromagnetic processes and properties -13.60.Le Meson production -13.30.Eg Hadronic decays -13.60.-r Photon and charged lepton interactions with hadrons