Covariant orbital-spin scheme for any spin based on irreducible tensor

Abstract: In hadron spectrum physics, the partial wave analysis is a primary method used to extract properties of hadronic resonances. The covariant orbital-spin coupling scheme holds unique advantages over other partial wave methods due to its Lorentz covariant form and determined orbital-spin quantum numbers. This paper presents a general form of the covariant orbital-spin coupling scheme based on the irreducible tensor of the homogeneous proper Lorentz group and its little groups. A systematic procedure for constructing partial wave amplitude in a Lorentz covariant way is provided, which can be applied to both massive and massless particles. Specific examples are also included.