Covariant spectator quark model description of the $\gamma^\ast \Lambda \to \Sigma^0$ transition

We study the $\gamma^\ast \Lambda \to \Sigma^0$ transition form factors by applying the covariant spectator quark model. Using the parametrization for the baryon core wave functions as well as for the pion cloud dressing obtained in a previous work, we calculate the dependence on the momentum transfer squared, $Q^2$, of the electromagnetic transition form factors. The magnetic form factor is dominated by the valence quark contributions. The final result for the transition magnetic moment, a combination of the quark core and pion cloud effects, turns out to give a value very close to the data. The pion cloud contribution, although small, pulls the final result towards the experimental value The final result, $\mu_{\Lambda\Sigma^0}= -1.486 \mu_N$, is about one and a half standard deviations from the central value in PDG, $\mu_{\Lambda\Sigma^0}= -1.61 \pm 0.08 \mu_N$. Thus, a modest improvement in the statistics of the experiment would permit the confirmation or rejection of the present result. It is also predicted that small but nonzero values for the electric form factor in the finite $Q^2$ region, as a consequence of the pion cloud dressing.