Light scalar mesons and two-kaon correlation functions

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that recent two-kaon correlation data supports the four-quark model of the $a_0(980)$ meson and suggests that improved experiments could further elucidate light scalar mesons.

Contribution

It establishes a connection between two-kaon correlation data and the structure of light scalar mesons, supporting the four-quark model of $a_0(980)$.

Findings

Data supports four-quark model of $a_0(980)$

Gaussian assumption remains valid

Two-kaon correlations can reveal meson structure

Abstract

It is shown that the recent data on the $K^0_S K^+$ correlation in Pb-Pb interactions agree with the data on the $\gamma\gamma\to\eta\pi^0$ and $\phi\to\eta\pi^0\gamma$ reactions and support the four-quark model of the $a_0(980)$ meson. It is shown that the data does not contradict the validity of the Gaussian assumption. The study of two-kaon correlations could provide more information about light scalar mesons after increasing the accuracy of the experimental and theoretical descriptions.