On the Strong Interactions of the Strange Particles

The theory appropriate to the definition and application of the reaction matrix is reviewed. The analysis of the low-energy K--proton data is reviewed in terms of this formalism, and the K -nucleon virtual bound state interpretation of the pi - LAMBDA resonance is compared with experimental data. The use of this formalism and its relationship with the reaction-matrix formalism are discussed, with special reference to the description of resonant states. The present evidence bearing on the validity of the global symmetry hypothesis is reviewed, and the interpretations of the pi - LAMBDA resonance as an analog of the (3,3) isobar state in the pi -N system are discussed and compared with data. (L.T.W.)