$\pi^0$ and $\eta$ meson exchange interactions in the coherent $\eta$ meson production in the nucleus

TL;DR

This paper calculates the energy transfer spectra for coherent $ ext{eta}$ meson production in proton-nucleus reactions, focusing on $ ext{pi}^0$ and $ ext{eta}$ meson exchange interactions and their interference effects.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed model considering $ ext{pi}^0$ and $ ext{eta}$ meson exchanges and their interference, including the effects of initial/final state interactions via optical potentials.

Findings

Cross sections depend on meson exchange interactions.

Interference effects significantly influence the cross section.

Sensitivity to hadron-nucleus potentials is demonstrated.

Abstract

The energy transfer spectra have been calculated for the coherent $\eta$ meson production in the proton nucleus reaction. The elementary reaction occurring in the nucleus is considered as $ pN \to pN^*(1535) $; $ N^*(1535) \to N\eta $. The $N^*(1535)$ excitation for the forward going proton and $\eta$ meson is occurred due to the $\pi^0$ and $\eta$ meson exchange interactions, other mesons do not contribute in this process. The cross sections are calculated for the $\pi^0$ and $\eta$ meson exchange interactions, and the effect of their interference on the cross section is also studied. The initial and final state interactions as well as the $N^*(1535)$ nucleus interaction are addressed by the optical potentials. The distorted wave functions for proton and $\eta$ meson are described by the eikonal form. The sensitivity of the cross section to the hadron nucleus potential is presented.