We present a systematic study of the reactions ${\pi }^{+}p\to {\rho }^{\pm }p$, ${\pi }^{-}p\to {\rho }^{0}n$, and ${\pi }^{-}p\to {\rho }^{-}p$ at 6 GeV/c. Differential cross sections and density-matrix elements are presented. Structures of the isospin-zero and isospin-one contributions in the $t$-channel exchange are observed, and implications to two-body models are discussed. Finally a simple model to describe the ${\pi }^{\pm }p\to \rho N$ amplitude is proposed.

• Received 27 February 1973

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.8.779