A Meson-Theoretical Explanation of the f[sub 0] (980)-Production Puzzle in the Reaction π[sup –]p→π[sup 0]π[sup 0]n.

A meson-theoretical model for the reaction πp → π[sup 0]π[sub 0]n for large π[sup -] momenta is developed which treats the final-state interaction between the two produced pions microscopically. For small momentum transfers, the squares of the S-wave amplitudes of the produced two-pion system show a dip for invariant twopion masses in the vicinity of the f[sub 0](980) meson, while for momentum transfers -t > 0.2 (GeV/c)². the f[sub 0](980) meson appears as a bump. The model provides a microscopic explanation of the long-standing puzzle seen by both the GAMS and the BNL experimental collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]