Abstract: We determine the helicity amplitudes A(1/2) and radiative decay widths in the transition Lambda(1670) -> gamma Y (Y = Lambda or Sigma(0)). The Lambda(1670) is treated as a dynamically generated resonance in meson-baryon chiral dynamics. We obtain the radiative decay widths of the Lambda(1670) to gamma Lambda as 2 +/- 1 keV and to -gamma Sigma(0) as 120 +/- 50 keV. Also, the Q(2)-dependence of the helicity amplitudes A(1/2) is calculated. We find that the K Xi component in the Lambda(1670) structure, mainly responsible for the dynamical generation of this resonance, is also responsible for the significant suppression of the decay ratio Gamma(gamma A)/Gamma(gamma Sigma 0). A measurement of the ratio would, thus, provide direct access to the nature of the Lambda(1670). To compare the result for the Lambda(1670), we calculate the helicity amplitudes Lambda(1/2) for the two states of the Lambda(1405). Also, the analytic continuation of Feynman parameterized integrals of more complicated loop amplitudes to the complex plane is developed which allows for an internally consistent evaluation of A(1/2).

Abstract: We use a theoretical model of the gamma d --> K+K- np reaction adapted to the experiment done at LEPS where a peak was observed and associated with the Theta(+)(1540) pentaquark. The study shows that the method used in the experiment to assign momenta to the undetected proton and neutron, together with the chosen cuts, necessarily creates an artificial broad peak in the assumed K(+)n invariant mass in the region of the claimed Theta(+)(1540), such that the remaining strength seen for the experimental peak is compatible with a fluctuation of 2 sigma significance.

Abstract: In this manuscript we study the vector-vector interaction within the hidden-gauge formalism in a coupled channel unitary approach. In the sector C = 1, S = 1, J = 2 we get a pole in the T matrix around 2572 MeV that we identify with the D*(s2)(2573), coupling strongly to the D*K*(D-s(*)phi(omega)) channels. In addition we obtain resonances in other exotic sectors which have not been studied before such as C = 1, S = -1, C = 2, S = 0 and C = 2, S = 1. These "flavor-exotic'' states are interpreted as D*(K) over bar*, D*D*, and (DsD)-D-** molecular states but have not been observed yet. In total we obtain nine states with different spin, isospin, charm, and strangeness of non-C = 0, S = 0 and C = 1, S = 0 character, which have been reported before.

Abstract: We study the (K-, p) reaction on nuclei with a 1 GeV/c momentum kaon beam, paying special attention to the region of emitted protons having kinetic energy above 600 MeV, which was used to claim a deeply attractive kaon nucleus optical potential. Our model describes the nuclear reaction in the framework of a local density approach and the calculations are performed following two different procedures: one is based on a many-body method using the Lindhard function and the other is based on a Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation method offers flexibility to account for processes other than kaon quasielastic scattering, such as K- absorption by one and two nucleons, producing hyperons, and allows consideration of final-state interactions of the K-, the p, and all other primary and secondary particles on their way out of the nucleus, as well as the weak decay of the produced hyperons into pi N. We find a limited sensitivity of the cross section to the strength of the kaon optical potential. We also show a serious drawback in the experimental setup-the requirement for having, together with the energetic proton, at least one charged particle detected in the decay counter surrounding the target-as we find that the shape of the original cross section is appreciably distorted, to the point of invalidating the claims made in the experimental paper on the strength of the kaon nucleus optical.

Abstract: We study the interaction of vector mesons with the octet of stable baryons in the framework of the local hidden gauge formalism using a coupled-channels unitary approach. We examine the scattering amplitudes and their poles, which can be associated to known J(P) = 1/2(-), 3/2(-) baryon resonances, in some cases, or give predictions in other ones. The formalism employed produces doublets of degenerate J(P) = 1/2(-), 3/2(-) states, a pattern which is observed experimentally in several cases. The findings of this work should also be useful to guide present experimental programs searching for new resonances, in particular in the strange sector where the current information is very poor.