Regge phenomenology in $π^0$ and $η$ photoproduction

Abstract

The $γN \to π^0 N$ and $γN \to ηN$ reactions at photon beam energies above 4 GeV are investigated within Regge models. The models include $t$-channel exchanges of vector ($ρ$ and $ω$) and axial vector ($b_1$ and $h_1$) mesons. Moreover, Regge cuts of $ρ{\mathbb P}$, $ρf_2$, $ω{\mathbb P}$, and $ωf_2$ are investigated. A good description of differential cross sections and polarization observables at photon beam energies from 4 to 15 GeV can be achieved.