We report measurements of the photon beam asymmetry $\Sigma$ for the reactions $\vec{\gamma}p\to p\pi^0$ and $\vec{\gamma}p\to p\eta $ from the GlueX experiment using a 9 GeV linearly-polarized, tagged photon beam incident on a liquid hydrogen target in Jefferson Lab's Hall D. The asymmetries, measured as a function of the proton momentum transfer, possess greater precision than previous $\pi^0$ measurements and are the first $\eta$ measurements in this energy regime. The results are compared with theoretical predictions based on $t$-channel, quasi-particle exchange and constrain the axial-vector component of the neutral meson production mechanism in these models.
Measurement of the beam asymmetry $\Sigma$ for $\pi^0$ photoproduction on the proton at $E_\gamma = 9$ GeV. The uncorrelated systematic errors (syst) are given in the table below along with a correlated normalization uncertainty (norm) of 3.6% due to the beam polarization.
Measurement of the beam asymmetry $\Sigma$ for $\eta$ photoproduction on the proton at $E_\gamma = 9$ GeV. The uncorrelated systematic errors (syst) are given in the table below along with a correlated normalization uncertainty (norm) of 3.6% due to the beam polarization.
Revised analysis of $\Sigma$ beam asymmetry for $\eta$ photoproduction on the free proton reveals a resonant structure at $W\sim 1.69$ GeV. Comparison of experimental data with multipole decomposition based on the E429 solution of the SAID partial wave analysis and including narrow states, suggests a narrow ($\Gamma \leq 15$ MeV) resonance. Possible candidates are $P_{11}$, $P_{13}$, or $D_{13}$ resonances. The result is considered in conjunction with the recent evidence for a bump-like structure at $W\sim 1.67 - 1.68$ GeV in quasi-free $\eta$ photoproduction on the neutron.
Measured beam asymmetry for a mean scattering angle of 43 degrees.
Measured beam asymmetry for a mean scattering angle of 65 degrees.
Measured beam asymmetry for a mean scattering angle of 85 degrees.
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