Radiative corrections to polarization observables for elastic $e+A$-scattering. Part I: Virtual Compton Scattering

We calculate polarization phenomena for virtual Compton scattering on protons, at relatively large momentum transfer 1 GeV$^2$ $\le -q^2\le$ 5 GeV$^2$ on the basis of a model for $\gamma^*+ p\to \gamma+p$ with two main contributions: $\pi^0$-exchange in $t-$channel and $\Delta$-excitation in $s$-channel. This model applies from threshold to $\Delta$ region. The parameters entering in this model, such as coupling constants and electromagnetic form factors are well known. The analyzing powers for $\gamma^*+\vec p\to \gamma+ p$ and the components of the final proton polarization in $\gamma^*+ p\to \gamma+ \vec p$ are large in absolute value and show strong sensitivity to $\pi\bigotimes\Delta$ interference. These results can be applied to the calculation of radiative corrections to polarization phenomena in elastic $ep$-scattering.