Backward-angle photoproduction of $π^0$ mesons on the proton at $E_γ$ = 1.5--2.4 GeV

Differential cross sections and photon beam asymmetries for $π^0$ photoproduction have been measured at $E_γ$ = 1.5--2.4 GeV and at the $π^0$ scattering angles, --1 $<$ cos$Θ_{c.m.} <$ --0.6. The energy-dependent slope of differential cross sections for $u$-channel $π^0$ production has been determined. An enhancement at backward angles is found above $E_γ$ = 2.0 GeV. This is inferred to be due to the $u$-channel contribution and/or resonances. Photon beam asymmetries have been obtained for the first time at backward angles. A strong angular dependence has been found at $E_γ>$ 2.0 GeV, which may be due to the unknown high-mass resonances.