EVIDENCE FOR A SCALAR GLUEBALL

Abstract

We show that the newly discovered scalar meson $f_0(1500)$ at LEAR has properties compatible with the lightest scalar glueball predicted by lattice QCD and incompatible with a $\qqbar$ state. We suggest that decays of glueballs are into pairs of glueballs (including $\eta, \eta'$ or $(\pi\pi)_S$) or by mixing with nearby $Q\bar{Q}$ states. The partial widths of $f_0(1500)$ are in accord with this hypothesis, tests of which include characteristic radiative decays to $\gamma\phi,\gamma\omega, \gamma\rho$ and the prediction of a further scalar state, $f_0'(1500 - 1800)$ which couples strongly to $K\bar{K}$, $\eta\eta$ and $\eta\eta'$.