Low-energy photon-photon fusion into three pions in Generalized Chiral Perturbation Theory

The processes $\gamma\gamma\to\pi^0\pi^0\pi^0$ and $\gamma\gamma\to \pi^+ \pi^- \pi^0$ are considered in Generalized Chiral Perturbation theory, in view of their potential sensitivity to the mechanism of spontaneous breaking of chiral symmetry and to various counterterms. The amplitudes are computed up to order ${\cal O}(p^6)$. The event production rates are estimated for the Daphne $\phi$-Factory and for a future $\tau$-Charm Factory.