Meson-meson scattering within one-loop chiral perturbation theory and its unitarization

Abstract

We present a complete one-loop calculation of all the two-meson scattering amplitudes within the framework of SU(3) chiral perturbation theory, which includes pions, kaons, and the eta. In addition, we have unitarized these amplitudes with the coupled channel inverse amplitude method, which simultaneously ensures the good low energy properties of chiral perturbation theory and unitarity. We show how this method provides a remarkable description of meson-meson scattering data up to 1.2 GeV including the scattering lengths and the generation of seven light resonances, which is consistent with previous determinations of the chiral parameters. Particular attention is paid to discussing the differences and similarities of this work with previous analyses in the literature.