Speaker
Description
Near-threshold vector-meson photoproduction offers a promising way to investigate both exotic-hadron production and the internal structure of hadronic and nuclear targets. In particular, (J/\psi) photoproduction has attracted considerable attention as a possible channel for searching for hidden-charm pentaquark states and as a probe of the gravitational form factors of the proton. However, the interpretation of such measurements depends critically on our understanding of the underlying photoproduction mechanisms.
In this talk, I will discuss near-threshold (\phi) and (J/\psi) photoproduction from proton and nuclear targets. Comparing hidden-strangeness and hidden-charm production may help clarify the roles of different production mechanisms and threshold effects. Reactions on the proton and coherent reactions on (^{4}\mathrm{He}) also provide complementary information for separating properties of the production process from those of the target. I will discuss how a better understanding of these reactions can contribute both to searches for exotic hadrons and to studies of gravitational form factors and the mechanical structure of hadrons and nuclei. Possible observables and remaining theoretical challenges will also be addressed.
