On some implications of the BaBar data on the $\gamma^*\eta'$ transition form factor

Abstract

At leading-twist accuracy the form factors for the transitions from a virtual photon to the $\eta$ or $\eta'$ can be expanded into a power series of the variable $\omega$, being related to the difference of two photon virtualities. The series possess the remarkable feature that only the Gegenbauer coefficients of the meson distribution amplitudes of order $l\leq m$ contribute to the term $\sim \omega^m$. Thus, for $\omega\to 0$ only the asymptotic meson distribution amplitude contributes, allowing for a test of the mixing of the $\eta$ and $\eta'$ decay constants. Employing the Gegenbauer coefficients determined in analysis of the form factors in the real photon limit, we present predictions for the $\gamma^*\eta$ and $\gamma^*\eta'$ form factors and compare them to the BaBar data.