Ridge regression for minimizing the couplings of hyperon resonances in the $K^+ \Lambda$ photoproduction

We employed the isobar model for investigating the $K^+\Lambda$ photoproduction process. We paid special attention to the recent CLAS polarization data and enhanced the $\chi^2$ minimization by adding a penalty term. Without changing the set of included resonances used by the model, this technique known as Ridge regression leads to reduced couplings that in previous studies acquired unreasonably large values. As a result, we have arrived at a much more robust model with hyperon couplings which are reduced to more physical values. This model serves us to extract valuable information on the background to the $K^+\Lambda$ photoproduction and particularly on the role of various hyperon resonances. The set of the nucleon resonances is the same with respect to previous fits but their role may have changed due to different couplings which they acquire in the present fit.