Chiral loops and a₀(980) exchange in φ->π⁰ηγ

The radiative $\phi\to\pi^0\eta\gamma$ decay is discussed emphasizing the effects of the $a_0$(980) scalar resonance which dominates the high values of the $\pi^0\eta$ invariant mass spectrum. In its lowest part, the proposed amplitude coincides with the reliable and ChPT-inspired contribution coming from chiral loops. The $a_0$(980) resonance is then incorporated exploiting the complementarity between ChPT and the linear sigma model for this channel. The recently reported experimental invariant mass distribution and branching ratio can be satisfactorily accommodated in our framework. For the latter, a value of $B(\phi\to\pi^0\eta\gamma)$ in the range $(0.75$--$0.95)\times 10^{-4}$ is predicted.