Sequential vector and axial-vector meson exchange and chiral loops in radiative phi decay

Abstract

We study the radiative $\phi$ decay into $\pi^0 \pi^0 \gamma$ and $\pi^0 \eta \gamma $ taking into account mechanisms in which there are two sequential vector-vector-pseudoscalar or axial-vector--vector--pseudoscalar steps followed by the coupling of a vector meson to the photon, considering the final state interaction of the two mesons. There are other mechanisms in which two kaons are produced through the same sequential mechanisms or from $\phi$ decay into two kaons and then undergo final state interaction leading to the final pair of pions or $\pi^0 \eta$, this latter mechanism being the leading one. The results of the parameter free theory, together with the theoretical uncertainties, are compared with the latest experimental results of KLOE at Frascati.