Data on the beam asymmetry Σ in the photoproduction of η mesons off protons are reported for tagged photon energies from 1130 to 1790 MeV (mass range from W = 1748 MeV to W = 2045 MeV). The data cover the full solid angle that allows for a precise moment analysis. For the first time, a strong cusp effect in a polarization observable has been observed that is an effect of a branch-point singularity at the pη threshold [Eγ = 1447 MeV (W = 1896 MeV)]. The latest BnGa partial wave analysis includes the new beam asymmetry data and yields a strong indication for the N (1895) 1 2 − nucleon resonance, demonstrating the importance of including all singularities for a correct determination of partial waves and resonance parameters.

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The BGOOD experiment at the ELSA facility in Bonn has been commissioned within the framework of an international collaboration. The experiment pursues a systematic investigation of non-strange and strange meson photoproduction, in particular t-channel processes at low momentum transfer. The setup uniquely combines a central almost 4π acceptance BGO crystal calorimeter with a large

A measurement of the double-polarization observable E for the reaction $$\gamma p\rightarrow \pi ^0 p$$ γ p → π 0 p is reported. The data were taken with the CBELSA/TAPS experiment at the ELSA facility in Bonn using the Bonn frozen-spin butanol (C$$_4$$ 4 H$$_9$$ 9 OH) target, which provided longitudinally-polarized protons. Circularly-polarized photons were produced via bremsstrahlung of longitudinally-polarized electrons. The data cover the photon energy range from $$E_\gamma =600$$ E γ = 600 to 2310 MeV and nearly the complete angular range. The results are compared to and have been included in recent partial wave analyses.

Abstract. Results from measurements of the photoproduction of η mesons from quasifree protons and neutrons are summarized. The experiments were performed with the CBELSA/TAPS detector at the electron accelerator ELSA in Bonn using the η → 3π 0 → 6γ decay. A liquid deuterium target was used for the measurement of total cross sections and angular distributions. The results confirm earlier measurements from Bonn and the MAMI facility in Mainz about the existence of a narrow structure in the excitation function of γn → nη. The current angular distributions show a forward-backward asymmetry, which was previously not seen, but was predicted by model calculations including an additional narrow P11 state. Furthermore, data obtained with a longitudinally polarized, deuterated butanol target and a circularly polarized photon beam were analyzed to determine the double polarization observable E. Both data sets together were also used to extract the helicity dependent cross sections σ 1/2 and σ 3/2 . The narrow structure in the excitation function of γn → nη appears associated with the helicity-1/2 component of the reaction.