On the cross section ratio sigma_n/sigma_p in eta photoproduction

The recently discovered enhancement of eta photoproduction on the quasi-free neutron at energies around sqrt(s)~1.67 GeV is addressed within a SU(3) coupled channel model. The quasi-free cross sections on proton and neutron, sigma_n and sigma_p, can be quantitatively explained. In this study, the main source for the peak in sigma_n/sigma_p is a coupled channel effect in S-wave that explains the dip-bump structure in gamma n --> eta n. In particular, the photon coupling to the intermediate meson-baryon states is important. The stability of the result is extensively tested and consistency with several pion- and photon-induced reactions is ensured.