We present new data for the transverse target asymmetry T and the very first data for the beam-target asymmetry F in the $\vec \gamma \vec p\to\eta p$ reaction up to a center-of-mass energy of W=1.9 GeV. The data were obtained with the Crystal-Ball/TAPS detector setup at the Glasgow tagged photon facility of the Mainz Microtron MAMI. All existing model predictions fail to reproduce the new data indicating a significant impact on our understanding of the underlying dynamics of $\eta$ meson photoproduction. The peculiar nodal structure observed in existing T data close to threshold is not confirmed.
Target asymmetry T for c.m. energy W= 1.4969 GeV
Target asymmetry T for c.m. energy W= 1.5156 GeV
Target asymmetry T for c.m. energy W= 1.5341 GeV
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.
The beam asymmetry, $\Sigma$, was measured at ELSA in the reaction $\vec \gamma p \to \eta p$ using linearly polarised tagged photon beams, produced by coherent bremsstrahlung off a diamond. The crystal was oriented to provide polarised photons in the energy range $E_\gamma = 800$ to 1400 MeV with the maximum polarisation of $P_\gamma = 49$ % obtained at 1305 MeV. Both dominant decay modes of the $\eta$ into two photons and $3\pi^0$ were used to extract the beam asymmetry from the azimuthal modulation of the cross section. The measurements cover the angular range $\Theta_\text{cm}\simeq 50$ -- 150 degrees. Large asymmetries up to 80 % are observed, in agreement with a previous measurement. The eta-MAID model and the Bonn--Gatchina partial wave analysis describe the measurements, but the required partial waves differ significantly.
Photon asymmetry for eta photoproduction at incident photon energy of 850 MeV.
Photon asymmetry for eta photoproduction at incident photon energy of 950 MeV.
Photon asymmetry for eta photoproduction at incident photon energy of 1050 MeV.
Forum