The $\sigma K$ coupling in the chiral unitary approach and the isoscalar $\bar{K}N$, $\bar{K}A$ interaction

Abstract

We evaluate the "$\sigma$" exchange contribution to the $\bar{K}N\to\bar{K}N$ scattering within a chiral unitary approach. We show that the chiral transition potentials for $\pi \pi \to K \bar{K}$ in the $t$-channel lead to a "$\sigma$" contribution that vanishes in the $\bar{K}$ forward direction and, hence, would produce a null "$\sigma$" exchange contribution to the $K^-$ optical potential in nuclear matter in a simple impulse approximation. This is a consequence of the fact that the leading order chiral Lagrangian gives an I=0 $\pi\pi\to K\bar{K}$ amplitude proportional to the squared momentum transfer, $q^2$. This finding poses questions on the meaning or the origin of "$\sigma$" exchange potentials used in relativistic mean field approaches to the $K^-$ nuclear selfenergy. This elementary "$\sigma$" exchange potential in $\bar{K}N\to\bar{K}N$ is compared to the Weinberg-Tomozawa term and is found to be smaller than present theoretical uncertainties but will be relevant in the future when aiming at fitting increasingly more accurate data.