New data on γ→p→→ηp with polarized photons and protons and their implications for N⁎ → Nη decays

The polarization observables T , E , P , H , and G in photoproduction of η mesons off protons are measured for photon energies from threshold to W = 2400 MeV (T), 2280 MeV (E), 1620 MeV ( P , H ), or 1820 MeV (G), covering nearly the full solid angle. The data are compared to predictions from the SAID, MAID, JuBo, and BnGa partial-wave analyses. A refit within the BnGa approach including further data yields precise branching ratios for the Nη decay of nucleon resonances. A Nη-branching ratio of 0.33 ± 0.04 for N ( 1650 ) 1 / 2 − is found, which reduces the large and controversially discussed Nη-branching ratio difference of the two lowest mass J P = 1 / 2 − -resonances significantly.