$\Lambda$ and $\overline{\Lambda}$ polarization in lepton induced processes

Abstract.

The study of the longitudinal polarization of $\Lambda$ and $\overline\Lambda$ hyperons produced in polarized deep inelastic scattering, neutrino scattering, and in $Z^0$ decays allows one to access the spin dynamics of the quark fragmentation process. Different phenomenological spin transfer mechanisms are considered and predictions for the $\Lambda$ and $\overline\Lambda$ longitudinal polarization in various processes using unpolarized and polarized targets are made. Current and future semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering experiments will soon provide accurate enough data to study these phenomena and distinguish between various models for the spin transfer mechanisms.