Strong decays of the higher isovector scalar mesons

TL;DR

This paper investigates the strong decay properties of higher isovector scalar mesons using the $^3P_0$ model, proposing that certain resonances are the same state and predicting properties of others to guide future searches.

Contribution

It identifies $a_0(1950)$ and $a_0(2020)$ as the same resonance and predicts masses and decays of higher excited states, aiding future experimental identification.

Findings

$a_0(1950)$ and $a_0(2020)$ are likely the same resonance.

Predicted properties of $a_0(2^3P_0)$ and $a_0(4^3P_0)$.

Guidance for future experimental searches for scalar mesons.

Abstract

Under the assignment of $a_0(1450)$ as the ground isovector scalar meson, the strong decays of $a_0(1950)$ and $a_0(2020)$ are evaluated in the $^3P_0$ model. Our calculations suggest that $a_0(1950)$ and $a_0(2020)$ can be regarded as the same resonance referring to $a_0(3^3P_0)$. The masses and strong decays of $a_0(2^3P_0)$ and $a_0(4^3P_0)$ are also predicted, which can be useful in the search for radially excited scalar mesons in the future.