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

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.