Model-independent approach to η→π+π−γ and η′→π+π−γ

Abstract We present a new, model-independent method to analyze radiative decays of mesons to a vector, isovector pair of pions of invariant mass square below the first significant ππ threshold in the vector channel. It is based on a combination of chiral perturbation theory and dispersion theory. This allows for a controlled inclusion of resonance physics without the necessity to involve vector meson dominance explicitly. As an example, the method is applied to an analysis of the reactions η → π + π − γ and η ′ → π + π − γ .