Partial widths a_0(980)\to\gamma\gamma, f_0(980)\to\gamma\gamma and q\bar q-classification of the lightest scalar mesons

TL;DR

This paper calculates the two-photon decay widths of the light scalar mesons a_0(980) and f_0(980), supporting their classification as quark-antiquark states within the nonet model, and extends calculations to other scalar mesons.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed calculation of partial widths for these mesons assuming a qar q structure, supporting their classification within the quark model.

Findings

Calculated decay widths agree with experimental data

Supports qar q classification of a_0(980) and f_0(980)

Extended calculations to other scalar mesons in the nonet

Abstract

We calculate partial widths for the decays a_0(980)\to\gamma\gamma and f_0(980)\to\gamma\gamma under the assumption that a_0(980) and f_0(980) are members of the basic 1^3P_0 q\bar q nonet. The results are in a reasonable agreement with data thus giving an argument for a q\bar q origin of these mesons. We also calculate the \gamma\gamma partial widths for the other scalar mesons, members of the 2^3P_0 q\bar q nonet.