Photoproduction of $a_0(980)$ and $f_0(980)$

TL;DR

This paper investigates the photoproduction mechanisms of the scalar mesons $a_0(980)$ and $f_0(980)$, extending a Regge-pole model to include Regge cuts, and compares theoretical predictions with experimental data.

Contribution

The paper advances the modeling of scalar meson photoproduction by incorporating Regge cuts into a Regge-pole framework, improving agreement with experimental data.

Findings

Model with Regge cuts aligns well with experimental data.

Extended model provides better understanding of scalar meson production.

Supports the viability of Regge-based approaches for meson photoproduction.

Abstract

There is no generally accepted view of the structure of the light-quark non-strange scalar mesons. A variety of models have been proposed that encompass $qq\bar{q}\bar{q}$, molecular, $q\bar{q}$ and glueball states in various combinations. Previously we considered scalar-meson photoproduction in a simple Regge-pole model and showed that it was experimentally viable. Recent data on the photoproduction of $a_0(980)$ and $f_0(980)$ confirm this. We extend our model to incorporate Regge cuts, based on our knowledge of $\pi^0$ photoproduction. The theoretical predictions are compared to the $a_0(980)$ and $f_0(980)$ photoproduction data.