# The $a\_0(980)$, $a\_0(1450)$ and $K\_0^\*(1430)$ Scalar Decay Constants and the Isovector Scalar Spectrum Source: [The $a\_0(980)$, $a\_0(1450)$ and $K\_0^\*(1430)$ Scalar Decay Constants and the Isovector Scalar Spectrum]() Collection index: [llms.txt]() Data updated: 2025-10-27T02:59:29.803Z Authors: K. Maltman Published: 1999-06-06T16:11:26.000Z ## Abstract The isovector scalar correlator is studied using a class of finite energy sum rules shown recently to be very well satisfied in the vector isovector channel. The values of the $a\_0$ scalar decay constants extracted in this analysis, which describe the couplings of the $a\_0(980)$ and $a\_0(1450)$ to the isovector scalar current, are shown to be comparable, strongly disfavoring any scenario in which the $a\_0(980)$ is interpreted as a loosely bound $K\\bar{K}$ molecule and the $a\_0(1450)$ is assigned to the same flavor multiplet as the $K\_0^\*(1430)$. The $a\_0$ decay constants are also compared to the analogous decay constant describing the coupling of the $K\_0^\*(1430)$ to the divergence of the strange vector current (which may be obtained from experimental $K\_{e3}$ and $K\\pi$ phase shift data), and implications of the relative magnitudes for the interpretation of the nature of the $a\_0$ states discussed. ## Recorded benchmark results A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage. ## Original sources and implementation [Original paper]() [PDF]()