Eta Photoproduction on the proton revisited: Evidence for a narrow N(1685) resonance

Abstract

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.