Can the quadrupole form factors of theN→Δ transition be determined model independently?

This work addresses the question of how well, in principle and in practice, the electric and Coulomb quadrupole amplitudes for the N→Δ transition can be determined. The analysis is motivated by the significantly greater number of observables available in polarized electroproduction that will become accessible at the new generation of electron accelerators. The influence of several common assumptions, such as restriction to s and p waves only, is investigated. Results are presented for low [0.12 (GeV/c${)}^2$] and high [2.5 (GeV/c${)}^2$] four-momentum transfers.