Is there a narrow $N(1685)$?

Abstract

The helicity-dependent observable $E$ for the reaction $\gamma d\to \eta n (p)$ with a spectator proton was recently measured by the A2 Collaboration at MAMI in Mainz. The data were interpreted as further evidence for a narrow resonance with spin and parity $J^P=1/2^+$ ($P_{11}$ wave). However, a full partial wave analysis without any narrow resonance leads to an excellent description of the data, imposing a narrow resonance with the properties suggested by the A2 Collaboration leads to a significant deterioration of the fit quality: there is no need for a narrow resonance.