Analysis of recent CLAS data on f₁(1285) photoproduction

Based on the experimental data released recently by the CLAS Collaboration, the $f_{1}(1285)$ photoproduction off a proton target is investigated in an effective Lagrangian approach. In our model, $s$-channel, $u$-channel, and $t$-channel Born terms are included to calculate the differential cross sections, which are compared with the recent CLAS experiment. An interpolating Reggeized treatment is applied to the $t$ channel, and it is found that the $t$-channel contribution is dominant in the $f_1(1285)$ photoproduction and the $u$-channel contribution is responsible for the enhancement at backward angles. The present calculation does not take into account any explicit $s$-channel nucleon-resonance contribution; nevertheless, our model provides a good description of the main features of the data. It suggests small couplings of the $f_1(1285)$ and the nucleon resonances in this energy region.